Shimadzu AIM-9000

1. Loading samples

Loading samples is very simple

Gently press the "Take Out Sample" button to automatically lower the sample stage and switch the position of the microscope objective to leave enough space for sample loading and sampling. Moreover, the spotlight below the sample stage can be quickly disassembled to achieve direct micro reflection and micro ATR measurement of samples up to 40mm thick.

2. Find the object to be tested

Quickly find the object to be tested - large field camera and microscope camera

3. Automatic identification of foreign objects and automatic sequential measurement

Automatic recognition of measurement position - foreign object image recognition algorithm

Provide automatic foreign object recognition function. Analysts only need to click a button, and the software can automatically identify foreign objects. And the micro aperture size and angle applicable to all measurement points can be automatically set within 1 second. It includes two modes: standard mode and small sample mode. Users can choose the appropriate mode based on their own application. The automatically recognized measurement points can start automatic measurement without editing, or can be selectively added or deleted by analysts. The visible image of the sample is automatically stored in the measured spectral file for easy identification in the future.

4. Confirm the cause of failure

Automatic confirmation of foreign object composition - foreign object automatic analysis program

LabSolutions IR software provides a unique foreign object analysis program to automatically confirm the composition of foreign objects. The spectra measured by AIMsolution can be directly loaded into LabSolutions IR for analysis. The foreign object analysis program can accurately confirm the composition of foreign objects measured, based on the spectral library data of common foreign objects in foreign object analysis and Shimadzu's unique identification algorithm.

Characteristics of automatic foreign object analysis program

	Including over 550 common inorganic, organic, and polymer spectral data in foreign object analysis		Spectral retrieval, matching judgment, and report generation, fully automated throughout the process
	Not only simple spectral retrieval, but also more emphasis on spectral features through Shimadzu's unique algorithm		Even if the foreign object is a mixture, it can effectively identify the possible main and secondary components and display the priority of possibilities

2、 Simpler and more user-friendly features

1. Smooth measurement of infrared spectra while observing real-time visible images - Visible/Infrared Synchronous Observation System

Infrared spectroscopy measurement can be performed simultaneously with the inspection of visible images of the sample. This can effectively confirm the position of the measured foreign object without having to switch back and forth between visible light and infrared light. Combined with the image tiling function, real-time visible observation and infrared spectroscopy measurement can be achieved at any position within the movable range of the sample stage, without the need to reposition the sample.

Schematic diagram of visible and infrared light paths
Green: visible light path
Red: Infrared light path

2. Visualization of Chemical Composition - Chemical Imaging

The distribution of chemical substances can be visualized based on information such as peak height, peak area, multivariate analysis results (PCR/MCR), and similarity to the target spectrum.

Chemical imaging of pharmaceutical powders

The drug powder was rolled using a diamond pool and subjected to infrared microscopy mapping measurement. The figure on the right shows the distribution of different components (lactose, lipids, cellulose) in the powder. The displayed color can be freely switched between monochrome and color.

3. Small sample analysis - same level signal-to-noise ratio

AIM-9000 has been optimized specifically for measuring extremely small samples. The signal-to-noise ratio of AIM-9000 can reach 30000:1, which is better for the same level. Correspondingly, high-quality spectra can also be quickly obtained for very small foreign objects.

Transmission measurement of polystyrene microspheres

10 μ m diameter polystyrene microspheres, measured by transmission method. High quality low-noise spectrograms of small samples can be obtained with only a few scans.

4. High sensitivity micro ATR measurement - high refractive index samples

The Ge crystal with anti reflective coating has a high light flux of over 50%, providing high sensitivity measurement. Compared to previous models, it has a smaller infrared light incidence angle. AIM-9000 can obtain excellent distortion free ATR spectra for high refractive index samples such as carbon black rubber.

ATR measurement of carbon black rubber

Nitrile rubber (NBR) with 50wt% carbon black content was measured using a Ge crystal ATR objective. The peak of the C=C-H out of plane bending mode is clearly visible around 970cm-1, while deformation occurs with traditional ATR objectives.

5. Comprehensive support for foreign object identification - pipeline water/food foreign object spectrum library and plastic pyrolysis spectrum library

Pipeline water/food foreign matter spectrum library

This spectral library is unique to Shimadzu and is particularly suitable for foreign object analysis in pipeline water and food. The spectral library includes the measured spectra and related information of all commercial components and common foreign objects that make up the water pipeline. At the same time, it also includes XRF spectral data (PDF file) of the corresponding samples. Correspondingly, it can greatly improve the accuracy of foreign object retrieval. Unlike traditional infrared spectral libraries, it is a real mixture spectral library and contains rich knowledge and experience required for qualitative analysis.

Plastic pyrolysis spectrum library*

This spectral library is unique to Shimadzu and includes rich spectral information of plastic pyrolysis and oxidation products, making it particularly suitable for foreign object analysis of degraded aging substances.

3、 Attachment

1. ATR objective lens (slide on type)

The ATR objective uses a conical crystal, single reflection, 15x magnification, and 45 degree incidence angle. Slide on crystals make switching back and forth between visible observation and infrared measurement very simple. ATR objectives are highly suitable for samples that are neither easily transmitted nor reflected in infrared light, such as paper, plastic, or ultra-thin films with similar stains.

2. ATR pressure sensor

This pressure sensor can prevent crystal damage caused by applying excessive pressure to the ATR lens when using it. It can also be used for automatic micro ATR measurement based on pressure sensing.

3. Glancing angle reflective objective (GAO)

The grazing angle reflective objective lens adopts an 80 degree angle incidence, which is particularly suitable for measuring thin organic films at the nm level on metal substrates. In failure analysis, GAO objectives are commonly used for measuring samples or metal surface stains on concave surfaces.

4. TGS detector

By adding a TGS detector (DLATGS type), AIM-9000 can measure infrared spectra without the need for liquid nitrogen. It can also automatically switch between MCT detector and TGS detector according to testing needs. Compared to MCT detectors, TGS detectors have a wider spectral range, but their sensitivity may decrease. It is generally recommended to measure samples smaller than 100 μ m using an MCT detector.

5. Diamond Pool

Diamond pits are used to squeeze small samples and measure them directly under an infrared microscope. Can be used for samples such as plastics and fibers.

6. Infrared polarizer

This attachment is used for studying the orientation characteristics of samples or improving sensitivity when using grazing angle reflective objectives. The infrared polarizer can be inserted into the infrared microscope from the side during use and the polarization angle can be set.

7. Visible polarizer

This attachment is very useful for samples that are difficult to observe with ordinary visible light. By utilizing the properties of polarized light, the sample can be more easily observed.