JASCO Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) is pleased to announce the release of its latest infrared microscope, the IRT-7X Multi-Channel Infrared Microscope — a next-generation IR imaging system designed to elevate microscopic observation, measurement, and analysis to new levels of performance and usability.
The IRT-7X builds on JASCO’s heritage of high-performance infrared microscopy with significant advances in speed, image clarity, and data processing capabilities. With its high-speed motorized stage and 16-channel linear array detector, coupled with advanced digital processing, the IRT-7X delivers faster and more detailed chemical imaging than ever before, meeting the demanding needs of materials research and foreign object analysis.
Key Features and Enhancements of the IRT-7X
Fast IR Imaging
The IRT-7X integrates a high-speed motorized stage with a 16-channel linear array detector synchronized with FT/IR rapid scan measurements, enabling rapid data acquisition of up to 160 spectra per second.
Advanced parallel signal processing ensures each channel is handled simultaneously, and the newly developed channel-independent auto-gain function individually optimizes signals for all channels, while real-time processing accelerates image rendering speed by approximately four times compared to conventional systems.
High Quality Observation
A newly designed optical system coupled with a high-resolution camera provides crisp, high-saturation, high-contrast observation images. Clear imaging supports easier identification of measurement points and, when overlaid with chemical images, delivers intuitive visual insights.
Automation and Ease of Use
The IRT-7X introduces a newly designed user interface that consolidates key elements — observation image, stage control, measurement tools, and condition settings with spectrum display — for intuitive operation and streamlined workflows. Sub-windows can be rearranged or toggled on/off, and advanced features like IQ Monitor and automated focus tools enhance usability.
Efficient stage navigation functions, including submap view and spiral image capture, help users quickly locate measurement spots, further improving productivity.
Applications and Analysis Tools
The IRT-7X system supports a wide range of analytical techniques and software tools to unlock deeper insights from measurement data. Chemical images can be visualized with various display formats — including 3D color, contour, and overlay with observation images — and advanced analysis programs provide statistically rich outputs such as histograms, frequency distributions, and correlation plots.
Optional tools such as 2D Correlation Mapping further enhance interpretation by revealing phase boundaries and subtle changes in sample states.