FTIR Microscopes

for Imaging & Analysis

  • IRT-1000X

    A micro-sampling accessory designed for easy measurement of micro-sized samples. JASCO has successfully integrated the essential functions of an IR microscope into the compact body of the IRT-1000X, resulting in a small, lightweight, and cost-effective solution. The IRT-1000X can be easily mounted in the sample compartment of an FTIR main unit, just like other standard IR accessories.

  • IRT-5X

    Featuring a 5M pixel camera, optional Duo MCT detectors, refined optical system with an electronic iris, and sample measurement up to 40 mm thick, the IRT-5X delivers unmatched performance with a seamlessly intuitive interface.

  • IRT-7X

    Experience the next generation of FTIR microscopy with the IRT-7X. Enhanced optics, a 5M pixel camera, dual detector capability, and automated XYZ staging deliver exceptional image quality and efficient, high-precision analysis.

What is an FTIR microscope?

An FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) microscope combines optical microscopy with infrared spectroscopy to identify the chemical composition of microscopic samples (down to ~10–20 μm). It measures infrared absorption to generate a chemical fingerprint for rapid identification and mapping.

IRT-1000X FTIR Microscope

IRT-1000X FTIR Microscope

Experience precision and versatility with our advanced microscope, designed with a user-friendly touch panel and a dedicated sample compartment. Effortlessly switch between transmittance, reflectance, and ATR measurement modes, and achieve high-resolution results using 8x or 12x ATR Cassegrain objectives—offering spatial resolutions down to 20 µm. Monitor sample contact in real time with a built-in pressure sensor and take advantage of a flexible incidence angle range of 40–53°. Choose from premium ATR objectives including ZnSe, Ge, or Diamond to suit your application. Optional accessories such as a purge case, demountable liquid cell, and DRIFTS sample holder further enhance your analytical capabilities.

  • Sample compartment type microscope
  • Easy operation with touch panel
  • Transmittance, reflectance, and ATR measurements modes
  • Sample observation and measurement using ATR Cassegrain objectives
  • 8x and 12x Cassegrain objectives
  • Spatial resolution of 100 mm for DLATGS and 20 mm for MCT
  • Monitoring ATR objective contact with the sample using a pressure sensor
  • Incidence angle of 40 – 53° for the ATR objective
  • Various ATR objectives available: ZnSe, Ge or Diamond

IRT-5X FTIR Microscope

IRT-5X FTIR Microscope

Discover cutting-edge performance and automation with the IRT-5X, JASCO’s most advanced FTIR microscope, engineered for high-resolution imaging, intuitive operation, and powerful mapping capabilities. Equipped with a 5M pixel camera, automated XYZ stage, condenser objective slide-in mechanism, and IQ Mapping technology, it enables precise measurement in transmission, reflection, and ATR modes—without even moving the sample. The IRT-5X offers seamless switching between multiple Cassegrain and ATR objectives, smart software controls for navigation and particle analysis, and an optional IQ Duo MCT detector for enhanced flexibility. Whether analyzing microplastics, contaminants, or complex multi-layered samples, the IRT-5X delivers unmatched accuracy, sensitivity, and an intuitive interface.

  • 5M pixel camera
  • Optional dual Mid- and Narrow-Band MCT detectors
  • High-quality observation image by improved optical system and electrical iris mechanism
  • Reflection measurement for samples up to 40mm thick
  • 4 detector capability
  • Auto-focus function
  • Condenser objective slide-in mechanism
  • Newly designed measurement software
  • IQ monitor
  • Various observation options available
  • XYZ auto-stage
  • IQ mapping

IRT-7X FTIR Microscope

IRT-7X FTIR Microscope

The IRT-7X sets a new benchmark in FTIR microscopy, building on the proven performance of our previous generation of FTIR microscopes with enhanced imaging quality and expanded automation. A 5M pixel camera, combined with an improved optical system and electrical iris mechanism, delivers exceptionally clear, high-quality observation images. Dual detector support, including a linear array detector for faster mapping, enables rapid and efficient chemical imaging. An XYZ auto-stage with auto-focus and newly designed measurement software further improve analytical efficiency and workflow automation. With reflection measurement for samples up to 40 mm thick, a condenser objective slide-in mechanism, and a wide range of observation options, the IRT-7X provides the speed, precision, and flexibility required for advanced materials analysis and foreign particle identification.

  • 5M pixel camera
  • High-quality observation image by improved optical system and electrical iris mechanism
  • Reflection measurement for samples up to 40mm thick
  • Dual 16-channel linear array and single-point mid-band MCT detectors
  • Auto-focus function
  • Condenser objective slide-in mechanism
  • Newly designed measurement software
  • IQ monitor
  • Various observation options available
  • XYZ auto-stage
  • IQ mapping

FTIR Microscope Model Comparison

Compare key features across JASCO FTIR microscope models to quickly identify the best fit for your application and performance needs.

At-a-Glance Comparison

FeatureIRT-1000XIRT-5XIRT-7X
Best ForRoutine analysisVersatile workflowsAdvanced imaging and research
Detector OptionsDTGSMCT, optional TGSSingle point MCT and linear array MCT
Spatial ResolutionStandardHighUltra-high (imaging and optimized)
Mapping CapabilityLimitedAutomated mappingHigh-speed, high-resolution imaging
Mapping SpeedManual / low throughputModerateFast, high-throughput imaging
Stage TypeManual stageMotorized stageHigh-precision motorized stage
Stage Travel RangeBasicExtendedExtended, high-precision
Objective PositionsFixed / limitedMultiple positionsMultiple positions, advanced optics
Measurement ModesTransmission, reflection, ATRTransmission, reflection, ATRTransmission, reflection, ATR (advanced)
CameraStandard observationIntegrated digital cameraHigh-resolution digital camera
Automation FeaturesMinimalAutomated mapping and positioningAdvanced automation & imaging workflows
Software CapabilitiesBasic analysisMapping and analysis toolsAdvanced imaging, mapping, and data analysis
Upgrade PathEntry-level systemExpandable configurationFully configurable, research-grade

Components

  • Detectors

    The optional detectors cover the wavelength range from the visible (silicon photodiode, InSb or InGaAs) to mid-IR (narrow, mid and wide band MCT), to far-IR.

  • Objectives

    There are a variety of different optional objectives available, including Cassegrain objectives (aluminum and gold), refractive objectives (4x, 10x, 20x), and ATR objectives (conventional, projection, wide-area, and ClearViewTM).

  • Observation Modes

    The IRT microscope has a variety of different observation modes used to identify and observe samples.

ClearView™ ATR

The ClearView™ ATR objectives allow both viewing of the sample through the crystal and ATR spectral measurement by simply moving the prism position (up and down). ATOS allows the aperture to select a specific area of the sample while viewing the entire area in contact with the crystal. In the application below, a mixed fiber was measured around the striated area in contact with the crystal. The spectra taken at two different measurement points show that the sample is composed of a mixture of nylon (light area) and acrylic (darker area).

Before Image After Image

Observation View (before contact)

View of the Measurement Position (after contact)

Which FTIR Microscope is Right for You?

Use the guide below to quickly identify the best FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) microscope for your application, throughput needs, and budget.

Quick Selection Guide

ModelBest ForKey StrengthsIdeal ApplicationsBudget Tier
IRT-1000XRoutine analysis, basic workflowsCompact, easy to use, cost-effectiveQA/QC, teaching labs, standard materials testingEntry-level
IRT-5XBalanced performance and flexibilityAutomation options, mapping capabilities, versatile configurationsMicroplastics, polymers, pharmaceuticals, failure analysisMid-range
IRT-7XAdvanced imaging and researchHigh-resolution imaging, fast mapping, premium performanceMicroplastics, contaminants, advanced materials researchHigh-end

How to Choose

If you need...Recommended Model
Basic identification and routine measurementsIRT-1000X
A balance of performance, automation, and costIRT-5X
High-resolution imaging and fast mappingIRT-7X
Analysis of very small or complex samplesIRT-7X
Occasional mapping with flexibilityIRT-5X
Budget-conscious optionIRT-1000X

Need Help Choosing?

FTIR microscope configurations can vary based on your exact application, detector needs, and workflow.

Request a quote to get a customized recommendation tailored to your lab.

Software

Spectra Manager™ is a cross-platform suite of molecular spectroscopy software for designing experimental methods, acquiring data, and processing results. This comprehensive package for controlling the entire range of molecular spectroscopy instrumentation eliminates the need for multiple software packages. Use the Folder function to find files by folder directory or use the Search function to find files within a folder directory using search terms such as keywords, username, date created, or instrument type.

Spectra Manager™

The IR Microscope Measurement program has five principal functions: Observation, Navigation, Imaging, Mapping, and Analysis. Navigate samples by double-clicking with the cursor, clicking and dragging the arrow cursor, using the joystick, select a thumbnail, select from the sub-map display, or using the multi-window display. Samples can be viewed as a single field image or a multi field composite image, which uses a matrix collected from multiple single field images taken automatically with the XYZ stage. IQ Monitor surveys the sample spectroscopically assessing measurement points, which can then be registered for automatic measurement with IQ Mapping. Acquired spectra, together with a functional group mapping, can be displayed in real-time. The spectral data and optical images are saved together in a single file, which can then be opened in the IR Microscope Analysis software for further analysis.

IR Microscope Measurement Software

The Spectra Manager™ Micro Imaging Analysis program has many data processing functions for spectral analysis,  as well as tools for creating and viewing chemical images. The user can easily create a chemical image from a spectrum using the peak height/area/FWHM etc. to identify and visualize the distribution of functional groups.

IR Microscope Analysis Software

FAQs


 – What does FTIR stand for?

FTIR stands for Fourier Transform Infrared, a spectroscopy technique used to identify materials by measuring how they absorb infrared light.

 – What is FTIR – a spectrometer or a spectrophotometer?

FTIR refers to a spectroscopy technique called Fourier Transform Infrared. The instrument used is an FTIR spectrometer, which measures how materials absorb infrared light. While sometimes compared to spectrophotometers, FTIR systems are more accurately described as spectrometers because they collect and analyze a full infrared spectrum using interferometry.

 – Can FTIR microscopes be combined with other spectroscopic techniques for broader insight?

Yes. Pair FTIR microscopy with Raman for complementary functional group and structural information, or with NIR for rapid tablet imaging. JASCO systems and software facilitate multi-tech workflows by sharing data and libraries for cross-validation.

 – Do the systems support data integrity and regulatory compliance (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11)?

Spectra Manager offers user access control, audit trails, and electronic records features. 21 CFR Part 11–ready options and validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) are available to support regulated labs.

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