Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

PERSEUS® TG 309 Libra® with Direct Coupling

The Perfect TGA-FT-IR Coupling Solution

Highlights

Thermal Analysis Plus FT-IR - More Than Just the Sum of Its Parts

PERSEUS® is the name given to the unique alliance between a NETZSCH thermobalance (TGA or STA system) and a tiny but efficient FT-IR spectrometer by Bruker Optics. Its revolutionary layout sets a benchmark for state-of-the-art hyphenation. The PERSEUS® coupling interface excels in both design and ease of handling. No separate transfer line is necessary. The built-in heated gas cell is directly connected to the gas outlet of the furnace via a heated tube. The low volume of the short gas path guarantees fast response and is quite advantageous in cases where condensable evolved gases are present. Additionally, the PERSEUS® features an extremely small footprint.

The PERSEUS® TGA 309 Libra® is robust and stands out by virtue of its high performance and compactness. This instrument integrates the small but powerful FT-IR with the TGA and has the potential to fit into any laboratory – be it in universities or industry, quality assurance or development.

Any existing NETZSCH TG 309 Libra®Supreme and the TG 309 Libra®Select system can be upgraded with the PERSEUS® coupling.

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The PERSEUS® coupling interface is distinguished by its exceptional design and user-friendly operation, even with automatic sample changer.

It eliminates the need for a separate transfer line by integrating a heated gas cell directly connected to the furnace's gas outlet through a heated tube. The short gas path's low volume ensures rapid response, which is particularly beneficial when dealing with condensable evolved gases. Moreover, the PERSEUS® is notable for its exceptionally small footprint.

The video shows the fast and straight forward disassembling of the Bruker Alpha II to enable ATR measurements with the same instrument within a few minutes.

Method

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometers Coupled to Thermal Analysis

Thermal analysis offers excellent tools for the characterization of various organic and inorganic solids and liquids. Thermal transitions, Thermal StabilityA material is thermally stable if it does not decompose under the influence of temperature. One way to determine the thermal stability of a substance is to use a TGA (thermogravimetric analyzer). thermal stability, Decomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition, and chemical reactions can be accurately detected and quantified across a wide temperature range.

In some cases, however, information about the type of evolved gases is needed to gain a clearer understanding of the chemistry behind the processes. Coupling thermal analysis with powerful infrared spectroscopy for gas analysis bridges this gap. It allows for a deeper insight into the material’s behavior and provides a spectral fingerprint of the gases evolved from the sample when heated.

The Proteus® software for thermal analysis and the OPUS software for FT-IR measurements are seamlessly integrated to enable efficient Thermal Analysis-to-FT-IR coupling. The temperature and time correlations of all experimental data are carefully preserved throughout the process.

Infrared spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy is a classical technique based on the absorption of infrared radiation by molecular bond vibrations. This absorption occurs when bonds vibrate in specific ways. However, only those vibrations that cause a change in dipole moment can interact with IR light. This is why most substances produce a characteristic spectrum, while homonuclear molecules — such as O₂ and N₂ — or noble gases do not show fundamental IR absorption bands, due to the absence of dipole moment changes during VibrationA mechanic process of oscillation is called vibration. Vibration is a mechanical phenomenon whereby oscillations occur about an equilibrium point. In many cases, vibration is undesirable, wasting energy and creating unwanted sound. For example, the vibrational motions of engines, electric motors, or any mechanical device in operation are typically unwanted. Such vibrations could be caused by imbalances in the rotating parts, uneven friction, or the meshing of gear teeth. Careful designs usually minimize unwanted vibrations.vibration.

Electromagnetic spectrum illustration highlighting infrared waves, positioned between visible light and microwaves.
Diagram illustrating an interferometer setup with labeled components: fixed mirror, moving mirror, beam splitter, light source, sample, and detector.
Interferogram displaying detector intensity versus mirror displacement, illustrating optical interference patterns.
UV-Vis spectrum graph displaying absorbance peaks at various wavenumbers, crucial for chemical analysis and characterization.

Working principle of a FT-IR spectrometer

An infrared light beam, depicted in the diagram as coming from the source on the right, is split into two paths by a beam splitter. One path is directed toward a fixed mirror and reflected, while the other is reflected by a moving mirror.

After reflection, the two beams are recombined and interfere with each other. The resulting interference pattern depends on the distance between the two mirrors — which changes as the moving mirror shifts position — and the frequencies present in the beam.

This process generates an interferogram, a signal typically characterized by a central burst and flat wings. The central burst occurs when both mirrors are equidistant from the beam splitter, allowing all frequencies to interfere constructively.

Finally, the interferogram is mathematically transformed into a spectrum using a Fourier Transform, revealing the sample’s infrared absorption characteristics.

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NETZSCH BRUKER logo featuring overlapping blue-green shapes, symbolizing cooperation since 1993 in scientific instrumentation.

Over 30 Years of Successful Cooperation

For over 30 years, NETZSCH and Bruker have collaborated to provide integrated solutions for thermal analysis and gas analysis. This longstanding partnership combines NETZSCH's expertise in thermal analysis with Bruker's leadership in FT-IR technology, offering customers reliable, high-quality systems tailored to their needs. Together, we deliver innovative, user-friendly solutions from a single source, ensuring seamless operation and exceptional support.

Advantages of our Cooperation at a Glance:

  • Seamless integration: Optimized coupling of NETZSCH thermal analyzers with Bruker FT-IR spectrometers for reliable and efficient evolved gas analysis.
  • Proven expertise: Decades of joint experience ensure high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to customer needs.
  • Single-source convenience: Fully compatible systems with comprehensive support from both partners.
  • Enhanced performance: Precise coordination of instruments delivers accurate and reproducible results.
  • Continuous innovation: Collaboration fosters the development of cutting-edge technologies and features for advanced analysis.
  • Effortless Compatibility with Bruker's OPUS Software: At NETZSCH, we offer seamless compatibility with Bruker’s OPUS software, allowing for a smooth workflow between both systems. This ensures an integrated and efficient experience, making the most out of both instruments.

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Learn, how Bruker Optics and NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing have been collaborating since 30 years and how the FT-IR technique help solving your challenges.

Specifications

Heating of transfer tube
two options (temperature-controlled; using a constant voltage supply source)
Heating of gas cell
200°C in maximum,
software-controlled
Detector
DLaTGS
NETZSCH TC 309 Libra heat conduction measuring device with touchscreen, used for thermal analysis and material testing.

Affordable Gas Analysis

The unrivaled instrument alliance serves as an innovative coupling technique, even for a narrow budget. It has what it takes to become an integral part of any laboratory and may well become indispensable for future needs.


No Liquid Nitrogen required

The DLaTGS (deuterated L-alanine doped triglycine sulfate) detector operates without the need for liquid nitrogen. This system is thus particularly well-suited for test runs with an autosampler (ASC) or long-term measurements.

Gas cell length/volume:
70 mm / 5.8 ml (no mirror inside, beam conforming design)

Spectral range of FT-IR data:
350 cm-1 to 8000 cm-1 KBr windows

Gas cell:
KBr windows, sealingViton©

To view the technical data of the TG 309 Libra®, please click HERE.

NETZSCH TC 300 Libra thermal analysis instrument with touchscreen display, designed for advanced material testing and analysis.
Customer support representative at a computer, smiling and engaged, highlighting NETZSCH's commitment to service excellence.


Proven Excellence in Service

At NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing, we offer a comprehensive range of services globally to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your thermoanalytical equipment. With a track record of proven excellence, our services are designed to maximize the effectiveness of your devices, extend their lifespan, and minimize downtime. 

Unlock the full potential of your equipment with our tailored solutions, backed by years of industry expertise and innovation.

Software

Bruker OPUS and NETZSCH Proteus® – Unrivaled Combination for Maximum Ease of Use

A diverse group of students engaged in a classroom setting, with a teacher addressing them, highlighting teamwork and learning.
Screenshot of the OPUS software during evaluation of a straw PyrolysisPyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic compounds in an inert atmosphere.pyrolysis test: Multi-window presentation containing a 3-D diagram (x-y-z view, including TGA curve and temperature information from the thermal analysis system), a 2-D plot (topview on the 3-D cube) and a spectrum window, representing the spectrum at the position of the red line within the 3-D diagram
Temperature-scaled TGA and DTG curves with Gram-Schmidt plot analyzing methane, water, and carbon monoxide absorption.
Screenshot of the Proteus® software during evaluation of the same straw experiment: Temperature-scaled plot of the TGA and DTG curves together with the Gram-Schmidt plot and the calculated traces of methane, water and carbon monoxide (course of the absorption intensity of a specific band)

The alliance between the NETZSCH Proteus® software and the OPUS FT-IR software is based on synchronized data exchange, enabling coordinated operation of the coupled systems. Measurements are started via the NETZSCH Proteus® software, which simultaneously triggers data acquisition in OPUS. Users only need to input the command for measurement start and data acquisition once; both OPUS and Proteus® will then operate with the predefined parameters. Online data collection is fully synchronized, ensuring precise time and temperature correlation between all signals from the two coupled instruments during evaluation. The two software packages can be operated from a single computer, giving users access to the full range of data evaluation and results display options in either environment at any time.

Find out even more about the software:

  • Full software integration – online data exchange between the two instrument software packages during the running experiment
  • Seamless instrument control, measurement definition for TGA and FT-IR entirely controlled by Proteus® software
  • Segmental activation or deactivation of the FT-IR coupling with one mouse click
  • Automatic saving of data sets for both measurements (TGA and FT-IR) with identical file names (but different extensions) in the same directories
  • Measurements with automatic sample changer allow for individual FT-IR measurement parameter for each position
  • Conjoint presentation of the Gram-Schmidt plot plus up to 30 pre-selected traces together with thermal analysis curves in Proteus® software during the experiment
  • Online evaluation (SNAP SHOT) of TGA/STA/DSC measurements already including FT-IR data during the measurement
  • Trace calculations with evaluation of characteristic temperatures and peak areas together with TGA and DSC curves
  • Combined analysis graphics of thermal analysis and FT-IR signals
  • Multi-component search in OPUS
  • Identification by various gas phase librarys, e.g. TGA-FT-IR library of polymers by NETZSCH

Related Devices

  • PERSEUS® STA 509 Jupiter®

    The Revolution in STA-FT-IR Coupling

    • No liquid nitrogen required
    • No separate transfer line
    • Space saving design
    • Easy operation with automatic sample changer
    • Evolved gas analysis up to 2000 °C sample temperature

Consultancy & Sales

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Service & Support

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