Pike Technologies 16x-xxx Magnetic Sample Holder for FTIR Transmission Spectroscopy

Overview

The Pike Technologies 16x-xxx Magnetic Sample Holder is a precision-engineered mechanical accessory designed exclusively for Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in transmission mode. It implements a robust, non-contact clamping mechanism based on permanent magnetism—eliminating mechanical pressure-induced sample deformation, stress birefringence, or spectral artifacts commonly observed with screw-tightened or spring-loaded holders. The holder’s architecture adheres to the fundamental optical requirements of IR transmission measurements: minimal beam obstruction, consistent sample positioning, and reproducible path-length geometry. Its design supports standardized 13 mm diameter potassium bromide (KBr) pellets—a widely adopted format per ASTM E1421 and ISO 18389 for qualitative and quantitative IR analysis—and accommodates free-standing polymer, biological, or pharmaceutical thin films up to 0.5 mm thick. The absence of adhesives, tapes, or vacuum interfaces ensures chemical inertness and prevents contamination of sensitive detector optics or sample surfaces.

Key Features

• Steel base plate with two hardened stainless-steel alignment pins (±2.5 µm positional repeatability) for rapid, tool-free registration of 13 mm KBr discs or film substrates
• Magnetic cover plate fabricated from high-coercivity austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316), delivering uniform clamping force (>12 N/cm²) without localized stress concentration
• Optically clear aperture (Ø12.5 mm) centered within the magnetic circuit to maximize unobstructed IR beam throughput across 4000–400 cm⁻¹
• Non-marring surface finish (Ra < 0.4 µm) on both base and cover to prevent scratching of soft KBr or fragile polymer films
• Compatible with standard FTIR spectrometer sample compartments (e.g., Thermo Nicolet iS50, PerkinElmer Frontier, Bruker Tensor series) via 25.4 mm post-mount or custom bench adapter
• No electrical components, batteries, or consumables—fully passive operation suitable for glovebox, dry nitrogen purge, or controlled-humidity environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 16x-xxx holder is validated for use with pressed KBr pellets prepared according to USP and EP 2.2.24 guidelines, ensuring minimal scattering and consistent pellet density. Film compatibility includes polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and hydrated protein films—provided thickness remains ≤ 0.5 mm to maintain adequate signal-to-noise ratio in mid-IR transmission. It conforms to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for ancillary measurement equipment: dimensional stability verified at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5 % RH; magnetic field leakage < 0.1 mT at 50 mm distance (per IEC 62233). No regulatory certification (e.g., FDA 510(k)) applies, as it is a Class I exempt mechanical accessory under 21 CFR Part 892.

Software & Data Management

As a hardware-only accessory, the 16x-xxx introduces no software layer or digital interface. All spectral acquisition, baseline correction, peak integration, and library searching are performed through the host FTIR instrument’s native platform (e.g., OMNIC, Spectrum OPUS, or OPUS LabSoft). However, its mechanical consistency directly enhances data integrity: alignment pin repeatability enables automated multi-sample workflows where stage coordinates remain fixed across sequential acquisitions—supporting GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with instrument timestamping and user-authenticated acquisition logs.

Applications

• Quantitative analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in KBr matrix per USP
• In-situ monitoring of polymer crystallinity changes during thermal ramping (e.g., DSC-FTIR coupling)
• Hydration state assessment of lyophilized biologics using O–H stretching band deconvolution
• Thin-film quality control in semiconductor packaging materials (e.g., epoxy molding compounds)
• Forensic fiber identification via spectral library matching under standardized transmission geometry

FAQ

Can this holder be used for ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) measurements?
No. The 16x-xxx is mechanically and optically optimized for transmission geometry only. Its aperture and clamping configuration do not support ATR crystal contact or evanescent wave coupling.
Is the magnetic field strong enough to interfere with FTIR detector electronics?
No. Measured stray field at the MCT or DTGS detector housing position (<10 mm from sample plane) is below 0.05 mT—well within electromagnetic immunity limits specified in IEC 61326-1 for laboratory analytical equipment.
Does Pike provide calibration certificates or traceable metrology data for this holder?
Not applicable. As a passive mechanical fixture without measuring functionality, it falls outside the scope of ISO/IEC 17025 calibration. Dimensional verification reports are available upon request for QA documentation purposes.