These optical systems work in the mid-IR range to probe the fingerprint region of most molecules. Their frequency comb QCL technology has multiple advantages over FTIR in the form of superior measurement speed and resolution, together with the strong intensity of a laser. Whereas step-scan and rapid-scan FTIR methods have highly broadband spectral coverage due to their globar sources, their power spectral density is limited, hindering their signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Dual comb QCLs make non-destructive, in situ analysis of sub-second reactions possible. Their ultrahigh resolution, high sensitivity spectroscopy is making strides in fields such as biospectroscopy and protein analysis, stand-off detection, catalysis, combustion diagnostics, stopped-flow kinetics, polymer development, and more.
A wide range of sample configurations are compatible, including: transmission cells, ATR and diffuse reflectance setups, stopped-flow techniques, multipass gas cells, and fibre optic probes.