LUMEX InfraLUM® FT-08 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer
| Brand | LUMEX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Russia |
| Model | FT-08 |
| Instrument Type | Laboratory FTIR Spectrometer |
| Wavenumber Range | 8000–350 cm⁻¹ |
| Resolution | 0.25–64 cm⁻¹ (selectable) |
| Scan Speed | 0.8 s at 16 cm⁻¹ |
| SNR | >75,000 (4 cm⁻¹, 1 min, 2150±50 cm⁻¹) |
| Wavenumber Accuracy | ±0.05 cm⁻¹ |
| Detector | High-Sensitivity DLATGS |
| Beamsplitter | KBr-coated Ge (8000–350 cm⁻¹), hermetically sealed and desiccated |
| Interferometer | Patented Suspended Double Cat’s Eye Design |
| Light Source | High-Stability Ceramic IR Emitter |
| Power Consumption | 65 W |
| Dimensions | 580 × 550 × 340 mm |
| Weight | 32 kg |
Overview
The LUMEX InfraLUM® FT-08 is a high-performance, laboratory-grade Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer engineered for precision molecular identification and quantitative analysis across research, quality control, and regulatory environments. Based on Michelson interferometry with a patented suspended Double Cat’s Eye interferometer, the FT-08 delivers exceptional optical stability, minimal alignment drift, and robust resistance to mechanical vibration and environmental humidity. Its spectral range spans 8000–350 cm⁻¹—covering mid-IR fundamental vibrations critical for functional group identification—and supports resolution settings from 0.25 to 64 cm⁻¹, enabling both broad-spectrum screening and fine-structure analysis. The instrument integrates a high-reliability ceramic infrared source and a thermoelectrically stabilized DLATGS detector, ensuring long-term signal reproducibility and low baseline noise (<0.1% RMS drift over 1 hour). Designed for compliance-driven workflows, the FT-08 meets core requirements for GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–regulated laboratories through hardware-level traceability and software-controlled audit trails.
Key Features
- Patented suspended Double Cat’s Eye interferometer: Eliminates moving-mirror tilt errors and provides intrinsic immunity to thermal expansion and mechanical shock.
- Hermetically sealed, desiccated optical bench: Integrated humidity and temperature sensors continuously monitor internal conditions; automatic self-calibration routines maintain alignment integrity without manual intervention.
- High-stability ceramic IR source: Rated for >10,000 hours of operation with <0.1% intensity drift per 100 h, ensuring consistent radiance across extended acquisition sequences.
- Large-volume sample compartment (≥200 mm × 150 mm): Fully compatible with standard PIKE Technologies accessories—including single-bounce ATR, diffuse reflectance, gas cells, liquid transmission cells, and FTIR microscopes—without realignment.
- Modular, application-oriented software architecture: Supports method-driven workflows, automated accessory recognition, and intelligent parameter inheritance between sample sets.
- Embedded validation suite: Includes built-in wavelength accuracy verification (NIST-traceable polystyrene film), photometric linearity checks, and SNR benchmarking per ASTM E1421 and ISO 17025 guidelines.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FT-08 accommodates solid, liquid, gaseous, and thin-film samples via interchangeable sampling modules. Its open optical design enables direct integration with hyphenated systems (e.g., TGA-FTIR, GC-FTIR) and in situ reaction monitoring cells. Regulatory compliance is embedded at the system level: optical path calibration is recorded in immutable audit logs, user actions are time-stamped and digitally signed, and electronic records conform to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Subpart B requirements for electronic signatures and data integrity. All firmware and software versions are version-controlled and documented per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7. The instrument satisfies ASTM E1421 (standard practice for validating FTIR spectrometers), ISO 8573-5 (for gas-phase hydrocarbon analysis), and EN 238 / ASTM D4053 (benzene quantification in gasoline).
Software & Data Management
The native InfraSoft™ platform operates under Windows 10/11 and features a role-based access control system with three-tier permission levels (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator). Spectral acquisition, preprocessing (zero-filling, apodization, phase correction), and multivariate analysis (PCA, PLS, hierarchical clustering) are executed within a unified interface. Data files adhere to JCAMP-DX v6.00 format and support direct import into third-party chemometric tools (e.g., Unscrambler®, MATLAB®). The software includes a customizable spectral library manager with spectral subtraction, mixture prediction, and similarity scoring (correlation, Euclidean distance). All processing steps are logged with metadata (instrument state, ambient conditions, operator ID), and raw interferograms are retained alongside processed spectra to ensure full analytical traceability.
Applications
- Pharmaceuticals: Identity testing of APIs and excipients per USP , counterfeit detection of herbal formulations, polymorph screening, and residual solvent quantification (ICH Q2).
- Petrochemicals: Benzene and aromatic hydrocarbon profiling in gasoline (EN 238, ASTM D4053), FAME content in biodiesel (EN 14078), sulfur species detection in natural gas, and naphthene/paraffin ratio determination.
- Polymers & Coatings: Crosslink density assessment, additive migration analysis, degradation product identification (e.g., carbonyl index), and multilayer film thickness mapping via attenuated total reflection.
- Environmental Monitoring: Quantitative detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in water (EPA Method 418.1), ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, HCFCs) in air matrices, and microplastic identification in soil/sediment extracts.
- Forensics: Trace evidence characterization—including paint chips, fibers, and illicit drug impurities—using spectral library matching with forensic-grade reference databases (e.g., SDBS, NIST).
FAQ
Does the FT-08 support automated ATR accessory recognition?
Yes—the instrument detects connected PIKE ATR modules via integrated electrical handshake and auto-configures optimal aperture, scan count, and background collection parameters.
Is the interferometer alignment user-serviceable?
No. The Double Cat’s Eye interferometer is factory-aligned and sealed; no field adjustments are required or permitted. Stability is verified during each startup via internal HeNe laser referencing.
Can the software generate 21 CFR Part 11–compliant reports?
Yes. Reports include electronic signatures, audit trail exports (CSV/XML), and tamper-evident PDF generation with embedded digital certificates.
What is the recommended maintenance interval for the DLATGS detector?
The detector requires no routine maintenance; its thermoelectric cooler and hermetic seal ensure stable performance for ≥5 years under normal lab conditions (20–25°C, RH <60%).
How does the FT-08 handle spectral calibration traceability?
Wavelength calibration is performed daily using an internal polystyrene reference film; results are archived with NIST-traceable uncertainty budgets and linked to ISO/IEC 17025 calibration certificates.
