Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

STA 509 Jupiter® Coupled to Bruker's INVENIO via Transfer Line

The Revolution in STA-FT-IR Coupling

Highlights

Seamless STA-FT-IR Coupling for Advanced Gas Analysis

The PERSEUS® STA 509 Jupiter® with transfer line coupling combines simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) with advanced gas phase detection via FT-IR spectroscopy. This powerful configuration provides comprehensive insight into thermal Decomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition, OxidationOxidation can describe different processes in the context of thermal analysis.oxidation, and chemical reactions by enabling the identification of evolved gases throughout the heating process.

Equipped with a heated transfer line, the system offers maximum flexibility in laboratory layout, allowing the Bruker FT-IR spectrometer to be positioned independently from the STA instrument. All components of the gas path – from the STA furnace to the FT-IR gas cell – are temperature-controlled, ensuring that even condensable or reactive gases are transported accurately and without loss.

In combination with the high-performance Bruker INVENIO FT-IR platform, the system offers excellent spectral resolution and sensitivity across a broad range of applications, from polymers and composites to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and inorganic materials. The full integration of NETZSCH Proteus® and Bruker OPUS software ensures synchronized data acquisition, making it possible to correlate mass changes and calorimetric events with specific gaseous Decomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition products.

Existing NETZSCH STA 509 Jupiter® systems can be upgraded with the transfer line coupling, offering a flexible and future-proof solution for advanced materials analysis.

Method

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

Thermal analysis provides ideal tools for the characterization of a variety of organic and inorganic solids and liquids. Thermodynamic 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 detected and quantified with high accuracy over a broad 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.

DSC curves for PA12 powder crystallization at temperatures from 162°C to 168°C, indicating thermal behaviors across time.
Diagram illustrating a basic interferometry setup with labeled components: fixed mirror, moving mirror, beam splitter, light source, sample, and detector.
Interferogram graph displaying detector intensity versus mirror displacement, highlighting a prominent peak in the data.
Absorbance spectrum graph displaying peaks at specific wavenumbers, highlighting measurement data for analysis in research.

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.

NETZSCH Bruker logo featuring a modern, overlapping design in green and blue, emphasizing "Cooperation since 1993.

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.

Please accept Marketing Cookies to see that Video.

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

Gas cell volume and length
11.8 ml/123 mm
Temperature of transfer line
max. 400°C
Detector
DLaTGS or MCT
Advanced analytical equipment featuring a sleek design, ideal for material testing and analysis in research laboratories.

Wave number range:
FT-IR: 8000 cm-1 to 340 cm-1
Coupling: 4400 cm-1 to 600 cm-1

Resolution:
better than 0.4 cm-1

Furnace adaptor:
max. 400°C

Transfer line material:
Stainless steel (exchangeable)

Window material gas cell:
KBr

Find out even more about the Transfer Line Coupling

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

3D visualization of straw pyrolysis test results in OPUS software, featuring thermal analysis curves and spectrum data.
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, detailing absorption intensities of methane, water, and carbon monoxide.
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

Do you have further questions about the instrument or the method and would like to speak to a sales representative?

Service & Support

Do you already have an instrument and need technical support or spare parts?

Downloads and Media

AI Overview
An error occurred. Please try again.