The Quest is a single-reflection ATR system designed for the IR analysis of chemicals and other samples in the lab. The Quest uses a monolithic diamond ATR crystal to produce optimum results, and its innovative optical design means it can be easily integrated into existing infrared systems. The Quest is industry leading in both ability and value.
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The Quest’s monolithic diamond is extremely tough and chemically inert. This means the Quest can be used to compress hard, brittle solids at high forces without being damaged, and can also be used to test chemically reactive samples, meaning the instrument is incredibly versatile. The relatively large (1.8 mm) sample area of the ART surface also means adequate contact can be achieved, even when the sample is very small.
The Quest’s optics use Specac’s novel Synopti-Focal Array technology, which uses gold-coated optics alongside precisely shaped aspheric mirrors to provide the optimal angle of incidence on the ATR crystal and sample. This novel optical system provides exceptional IR transmission through a large wavelength range to provide data rich IR spectra.
The Quest’s pucks can be easily swapped depending on analysis needs. Four different versions are available:
- The ‘standard’ diamond puck for analysis in the mid-IR (7,800 – 400 cm-1)
- A diamond puck with an extended wavelength range for analysis in the mid to far-IR (10,000 – 40 cm-1)
- A Ge crystal puck for the analysis of samples which strongly absorb IR
- A ZnSe puck for the analysis of softer samples
Each ATR puck is held in place in a hard-wearing stainless steel puck bonded to a strong metallic seal which guarantees compatibility with a large range of samples. Pucks with both a planar and pellet shape are provided with the Quest to allow compatibility with samples of different shapes. When an anvil is not in use it can be kept on the Quest’s top plate.
Measurement repeatability is ensured by the use of a pressure tower, which clicks loudly when the selected pressure limit is reached. The arm can also be swung to the side to provide access to the puck, either for cleaning or exchanging.
The Benefits of a Monolithic Diamond
ATR accessories that use a diamond puck tend to come in one of two versions. There are pucks, such as the Quest, which use a monolithic diamond crystal and there are others, which use an optical element, such as ZnSe, coated with a thin diamond wafer.
The latter are not preferable as they tend to be quite fragile under direct loads. The support material limits the wavelength range they can work at, they can be de-laminated (which would introduce erroneous results) and they show diminished diamond absorption features (between 2,000 and 2,500 cm-1) as the diamond layer is so thin.
On the other hand, monolithic diamond pucks are far more durable and harder, meaning they can be used to compress even hard solids with little risk of damage. They also provide better results and have an extremely wide wavelength range for transmission, which spans from 10,000 to 40 cm-1.
The Benchmark BaseplateTM
The Benchmark Baseplate system allows the Quest to be moved from one instrument to another in the laboratory with minimal effort. The Baseplate is an interface between the Quest and the instrument, which is securely attached to the Quest via only a single screw. The Baseplate makes it easier to switch between instruments and is specific to instrument models. When ordering a Quest, users should specify the spectrometer (or similar) that they are using.
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This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Specac.
For more information on this source, please visit Specac.