Short Description
The Bruker LUMOS II FT-IR microscope is a fully motorized system that allows fast, non-destructive chemical micro-analysis and automated high definition chemical imaging.
In an FT-IR image, every pixel is composed of an entire FT-IR spectrum. This spectral data can be used to render a false color image, emphasizing a sample's properties like chemical structure or composition.
This technique allows the user to detect and characterize tiny particles, product defects or tissue anomalies. Infrared spectroscopy gives an abundance of molecular information for inorganic and organic materials alike.Data acquisition is performed in three various modes: transmission, reflection and attenuated total reflection (ATR)
Contact Person
Dr Monika Debreczeny
Research Services
- Training for the usage of the LUMOS II FT-IR microscope, assisted sessions
- Autonomous usage of microscope for trained persons only
- performing experiments (contracted research with the personnel of the facility)
- Data evaluation, report (upon agreement)
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
Particle analysis has always been a key application in FT-IR and Raman microscopy and has become even more important due to the great public interest in the microplastics problem.
In every respect, the ubiquity of microplastic particles in oceans, drinking water, soil and food poses an enormous challenge to our environment and health. In order to address this, a suitable analytical method is needed to identify such particles in a convenient and reliable manner.
Allocation to research infrastructure
The staff provides project discussions – free of charge -, in order to choose the most appropriate microscope/applications for the planned experiments. As the project progresses, further discussions are always possible. Use of the facility’s infrastructure is restricted to material that is classified as safety level S1.
- Feasibility study for the development of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy models for leachate, pumped water and groundwater to predict the biological stability of landfills and old deposits; 01.10.2023-30.09.2024 (Christian Zafiu, project funded by Federal Ministries)
- Analysis of micro- and macro-plastics in digestates; 20.07.202-30.06.2024 (Christian Zafiu, project funded by City of Vienna)
- Macro and Microplastics in Agricultural Soil Systems; 01.01.2021-31.12.2024 (Christine Stumpp, Horizon2020)