Thermo Fisher Nicolet iS50 FTIR Spectrometer with Smart Orbit ATR and Continuµm IR Microscope

The Thermo Fisher Nicolet iS50 is a high-performance Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer designed for precise materials characterization across a mid-infrared range of 4000 to 400 cm⁻¹ at a spectral resolution of 0.09 cm⁻¹. This research-grade system integrates the Smart Orbit ATR accessory, featuring a diamond single-bounce ATR crystal ideal for analyzing hard, abrasive, and chemically aggressive samples with optional Ge and Si crystal plates and a 45° specular reflectance mode. The adjustable pressure tower supports varied sample types, including powders, solids, and delicate samples, enhancing versatility for biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and bioprocessing applications.

The system’s Continuµm IR Imaging Microscope offers dual-functionality with high-performance IR sampling combined with visible-light microscopy. Features such as TruView provide continuous sample visualization during spectral acquisition, essential for accurate spectral mapping and live-cell imaging workflows. The Reflex aperture minimizes diffraction artifacts, supporting precise spatial resolution necessary in synthetic biology and biomedical engineering research.

Included is the ICL Earth Series long-path gas fuel cell, a glass-bodied multipass cell with pathlengths ranging from one to six meters, optimized for gas phase analysis at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Its multilayer dielectric gold coatings and Swagelok gas fittings allow robust spectral acquisition in molecular biology and environmental monitoring.

Supporting infrastructure includes the Worthington 35LDB cryogenic storage dewar engineered with vacuum insulation and a ribbed aluminum body for efficient liquid nitrogen storage up to 152 days static hold time. The Liquid Withdrawal Device (LWD) supports controlled liquid nitrogen dispensing at flow rates up to 8 L/min under operating pressures up to 7.25 psig, facilitating stable cryogenic sample preservation in clinical diagnostics and biomanufacturing pipelines.

This integrated FTIR workstation empowers researchers across cell imaging, fluorescence analysis, and biophysical studies with modular upgrades that allow seamless incorporation of Raman and NIR spectroscopy modules without hardware reconfiguration, making it critical for advanced gene editing and molecular cloning workflows. The system is bundled with OMNIC software for comprehensive spectral processing and data analysis, enhancing throughput and operational flexibility in multidisciplinary laboratory environments.