A Combined Mid-IR/Near-IR Spectrometer

When analysts are faced with the decision of selecting either mid-IR (MIR) or near-IR (NIR) spectroscopy for materials characterization, the decision is usually based on the analytical, sampling, and/ or operational needs. For example, when the greatest analytical specificity is required or certain inorganic materials need to be measured, the choice favors MIR; whereas the need to keep an unstable or dangerous material inside a sealed glass container during measurement might suggest NIR as the preferred choice. In practice, MIR is available in most analytical laboratories, but the use of NIR is growing faster, especially in the quality control environment. For most materials, the analytical requirement is satisfied by both mid-IR and near-IR.