Artemis MARS-IRIS Multimodal Absorbance and Fluorescence Spectrometer

Overview

The Artemis MARS-IRIS is a dual-mode optical spectrometer engineered for simultaneous and sequential acquisition of ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) absorbance and molecular fluorescence emission spectra. Operating across a continuous spectral range from 400 nm to 1700 nm, the system leverages a thermoelectrically cooled InGaAs detector for NIR detection and a high-quantum-efficiency back-thinned CCD for UV-Vis, enabling high signal-to-noise ratio measurements in both modalities. Its optical architecture integrates a double-grating monochromator with motorized slit control and automated wavelength calibration using internal Hg/Ne reference lines—ensuring long-term photometric stability and traceable wavelength accuracy. Designed for laboratory-based quantitative and qualitative molecular characterization, the MARS-IRIS supports kinetic, temperature-dependent, and titration-based spectroscopic workflows without hardware reconfiguration.

Key Features

• Dual-spectroscopic capability: Integrated absorbance transmission and fluorescence excitation/emission measurement paths within a single optical bench, minimizing alignment drift and inter-instrument variability.
• Broadband spectral coverage: 400–1700 nm range accommodates electronic transitions (e.g., π→π*, n→π*) in organic chromophores, charge-transfer complexes, and NIR-active dyes (e.g., cyanines, squaraines), as well as overtones and combination bands in polymeric and biological matrices.
• Modular excitation source options: Standard 365 nm LED or xenon flash lamp; optional tunable laser diodes (635–980 nm) and pulsed LEDs (10 ns–1 µs pulse width) for time-resolved fluorescence decay analysis.
• Thermally stabilized sample compartment: Peltier-controlled cuvette holder (±0.1 °C) compatible with standard 10 mm pathlength quartz, sapphire, or CaF₂ cells—including low-volume microcuvettes (50–500 µL) and fiber-optic probes for in situ or remote measurements.
• Rugged OEM-grade construction: Aluminum alloy chassis with EMI-shielded electronics, CE-compliant power supply, and passive cooling—designed for continuous operation in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories and QC environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MARS-IRIS accepts liquid, solid, and thin-film samples across diverse chemical classes—including small-molecule pharmaceuticals, conjugated polymers, quantum dots, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and protein-ligand complexes. It complies with ASTM E275 (Standard Practices for Describing and Measuring Performance of UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometers), ISO 17025:2017 clause 6.4.7 (equipment verification), and supports GLP/GMP documentation requirements through audit-trail-enabled software logging. All spectral data files include embedded metadata per IUPAC recommendations (wavelength units, detector type, integration time, slit width, ambient temperature/humidity), facilitating regulatory submission under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated user access controls.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Artemis SpectraSuite™ v4.x—a Windows-based application supporting real-time spectral overlay, multi-curve differential analysis, and batch processing of absorbance/fluorescence datasets. The software implements NIST-traceable wavelength calibration routines, automatic baseline correction (asymmetric least squares), and Savitzky–Golay smoothing. Raw data export is available in ASCII (.txt), JCAMP-DX (.jdx), and HDF5 formats. Integration with LIMS platforms is enabled via OPC UA and RESTful API endpoints. Audit trails record operator ID, timestamp, instrument configuration changes, and data modification history—meeting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Pharmaceutical development: Quantitative assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in formulations using dual-wavelength absorbance ratios; identification of photodegradation products via synchronous fluorescence scanning.
• Materials science: Bandgap determination of semiconductor nanocrystals via Tauc plot analysis; assessment of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency in donor–acceptor dyads.
• Environmental monitoring: Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aqueous matrices using excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence fingerprinting.
• Biotechnology: Conformational stability profiling of monoclonal antibodies via intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence quenching; ligand-binding affinity estimation using fluorescence anisotropy titrations.
• Academic research: Teaching laboratory implementation of Beer–Lambert law validation, Jablonski diagram visualization, and solvent polarity effects on Stokes shift magnitude.

FAQ

Does the MARS-IRIS support time-resolved fluorescence lifetime measurements?
Yes—when equipped with optional pulsed excitation sources (e.g., 405 nm or 808 nm laser diodes) and TCSPC-compatible timing electronics, the system achieves sub-nanosecond resolution for mono- and bi-exponential decay fitting.
Can it measure scattering-corrected absorbance for turbid samples?
Yes—the integrated reference beam path and dual-beam ratioing algorithm compensate for scattering artifacts in colloidal suspensions and emulsions, provided sample opacity remains below OD_700nm = 2.0.
Is third-party software integration supported?
Yes—SpectraSuite™ provides DLL libraries and Python bindings for custom scripting, enabling direct control from MATLAB, Python (via PyArtemis), or LabVIEW environments.
What calibration standards are recommended for routine verification?
NIST SRM 2034 (absorbance), NIST SRM 2035 (fluorescence quantum yield), and Holmium oxide solution (wavelength) are recommended for quarterly performance qualification.
Is service and technical support available outside mainland China?
Yes—Artemis maintains authorized service partners in Germany, Singapore, and the United States, offering remote diagnostics, on-site calibration, and extended warranty contracts aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 maintenance guidelines.