Axiom Analytical, Inc. Announces a New Capability for Multiplexed Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

Axiom Analytical, Inc., a leading supplier of fiber-optic probes for UV-visible and near-IR spectroscopy, has announced the shipment of its first multiplexed diffuse reflectance near-IR sampling system. The system combines up to ten of the Company's new FDR-805 high sensitivity diffuse reflectance probes with one of its FMX-200LF Series fiber-optic multiplexers. It provides the capability of rapidly monitoring up to ten separate sample locations with a single near-infrared spectrometer. Potential application areas include pharmaceutical drying and blending, semiconductor wafer monitoring, chemical processing, and food quality analysis.

The FDR-805 Non-Contact Diffuse Reflectance Probe is an inherently safe, passive device which combines very high sensitivity with excellent stray light rejection (U.S. Patent 5,818,996). The optimum sample off-set is adjustable from approximately 40 to 60 mm. It is coupled to the multiplexer by means of a pair of integral fiber-optic bundles, each having an active optical diameter of 1.5 mm. This provides an excellent match both to the FMX-200LF multiplexer and to a typical FT-NIR spectrometer. Modified versions are available for use with dispersive spectrometers.

The FMX-200LF is a version of Axiom's highly successful FMX Series Fiber-Optic Multiplexers designed for use with large diameter optical fibers and fiber bundles. It maintains the unique benefits of the FMX Series, including a very high degree of repeatability combined with an absence of the channel-to-channel frequency shifts characteristic of other multiplexer designs (U.S. Patent 6,009,219).