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IRsweepAG,Auguste-Piccard-Hof1,IQEHPT,CH-8093Zürich
IRsweepAGAuguste-Piccard-Hof1IQE,HPTH4.18093Zürichwww.irsweep.comDr.AndreasHugi+41797785711andreas.hugi@irsweep.com
PresseHannoverMesse2017
Zurich,24.04.2017
IRsweeppresskit
Dearmemberofthepress,
ThankyouforyourinterestinIRsweep.Inthispresskit,youcanfindinformationaboutusaswellasourproducts.Specifically,itcontains
-Apressrelease
-Companybackgroundinformation
-DatasheetIRspectrometer
-DatasheetIRcell
-IRspectrometerproductperformancepresentation
Youcanfindthepresskitaswellashighresolutionimagesat
https://irsweep.com/page_news_room.html(www.irsweep.com|Company|Newsroom)
Ifyouhaveanyfurtherquestions,wearehappytoanswerthemattheSwissPavilionBoothinHall2,StandC39
orviaphone/mail.
Bestregards,
AndreasHugiManagingDirector
IRsweepAGAuguste-Piccard-Hof1IQE,HPTH4.18093Zürichwww.irsweep.com
NEWSRELEASEIRspectrometerEuropeRelease—Industry'sFirstTurn-KeyDual-CombMid-IRSpectrometer—Unmatchedcombinationofspeed,bandwidth,andbrightnessopensnewpossibilitiesforanalysisin
applications—
HANNOVERMESSE2017,24-28April—AfterasuccessfullaunchatPhotonicsWestinJanury2017,IRSweeptodaypresentsforthefirsttimeinEuropetheIRspectrometer—thefirstcommercialtable-topfrequencycombspectrometerofferingmicrosecondtimeresolutioncombinedwithalargespectralbandwidthandhighspectralresolution.
TheintroductionofIRspectrometeradvancesspectroscopyinavarietyapplications,includingtheanalysisofbiologicalsamples,monitoringoffastreactions,andchemicalcompositionanalysis.IRspectrometerexcelswherefasttimeresolutionorhighthroughputandsuperiorbrightnessisrequired—includingapplicationsinvolvingacomplexbackgroundmatrixorwheremultiplesimilarmoleculesmustbesimultaneouslyquantified.
AdvancingMid-IRSpectrometry
IRspectrometeristhefirstinstrumenttoprovidetheadvantagesofdual-combspectroscopyinacompleteturn-keysolution.Featuringtheradicallydifferentapproachofdual-combspectroscopythatwasawardedtheNobelPrizeinPhysicsin2005,IRspectrometerovercomesthelimitationsofthewell-knowntrade-offsofspeed,resolution,andsignal-to-noiseratioofMichelsonFT-IRs.
UniquefeaturesofIRspectrometerinclude:
- Highspeed:ThefasttimeresolutionofIRspectrometer(aslowas1μsforafullspectrum)enablesmonitoringfastprocessesandhigh-throughputapplicationswithoutrelyingontechniqueslikestep-scaninFT-IRs.
- Superiorbrightness:ThebrightnessofIRspectrometer’slaserfrequencycombsourceissuperiortoconventionalglobar-basedsystems—providinganextraordinarydynamicrangeandenablingtheanalysisofhigh-absorptionsamples.Thisadvantagesignificantlyeasessamplepreparationforliquidandsolidanalytes.
- Bandwidth:IRspectrometerdeliversmicrosecondresolutionathighbandwidths.Centerwavelengthsbetween6µm(1700cm-1)and9.5µm(1050cm-1),coveringfundamentalamidabsorptionbands,areavailable.Therangebetween5µm(2000cm-1)and12um(830cm-1)isunderdevelopment.
- Signal-to-noise:IRspectrometerachievessignal-to-noiseratiosabove1000perdatapointwithinlessthanamillisecond.
Page2
NewPossibilitiesforAnalysis
IRspectrometer’sunmatchedcombinationofspeed,bandwidth,andbrightnessopensnewpossibilitiesforanalysisinkeyapplications.Examplesinclude:
- Time-resolvedbio-spectroscopy:IRspectrometer’sfasttimeresolutionenablestheobservationofconformalchangesinproteinsinmicroseconds.Theinstrument’sbrightnessallowsmeasurementsofhigherabsorptionsamplesthanwithFT-IRs.
- High-throughputIRanalysis:Whenoptimizingtheactivityofenzymesthroughmodifications,IRspectrometer’shigh-throughputratesexcelintheanalysisoflargesamplesizes.
- Chemicalcompositionintheanalysisofgaseous,liquidandsolidsamples:IRspectrometer’ssuperiorbrightnesscanhandlehigh-absorptionssamples.Theinstrument’shighresolutioncanresolveevennarrowspectralfeatures.
ImmediateAvailability
IRspectrometerisimmediatelyavailableasatabletopinstrumentwithastandardsampleinterfaceintransmissionconfiguration.Formoreinformation,seelivedemonstrationsofIRspectrometerattheSwissPavilion,Hall2,StandC39.Or,[email protected],+41797785711,orvisitthecompanywebsiteathttps://irsweep.com.
AboutIRsweep
BasedinZürich,Switzerland,IRsweepwasfoundedasanETHZurichcorporatespin-offin2014.IRsweepofferscuttingedgeopticalsensingsolutionsbasedonsemiconductorquantumcascadelaser(QCL)frequencycombsinthemid-infraredspectralrange.IRsweepisdedicatedtoprovidingfast,selective,andbroadbandlaserspectroscopyforalargerangeofapplications.Thecompany’svisionistoadvancecurrentopticalanalytictechnologyandexpandtheavailabilityofopticalmethodstousers.VisittheIRsweepwebsiteathttps://irsweep.com.
###
NotestoEditors:
- Companycontact:AndreasHugi,Ph.D./+41797785711,[email protected] High-resolutionphotosforpublicationareavailableuponrequest.
IRsweep AGAuguste‐Piccard‐Hof 1 IQE, HPT H 4.1 8093 Zürich www.irsweep.com
Company background Zurich, 18.01.2017
IRsweep’s vision is to revolutionize optical sensing by introducing an ultrafast laser spectrometer in
the mid‐infrared. It is based on Quantum Cascade Laser Frequency Combs invented by IRsweep Co‐
founders in 2012 at ETH Zurich. The spectrometer is the backbone of IRsweep’s commercial activities
in the next few years and represent the technological basis for further integration into process
analytics and possibly portable applications.
The problem
A spectrometer is a common piece of equipment in industrial and laboratories. Its main use is to
investigate the molecular composition of a sample in a non‐destructive way. The main drawback of
today’s spectrometers is their low speed: measurement times of seconds to minutes are needed for
the acquisition of a complete spectrum. However, many processes happen on time‐scales of
microseconds, which can’t be observed with these techniques. Moreover, the analysis of large sample
numbers take long.
The solution: the IRspectrometer
The IRspectrometer is a laser‐based infrared spectrometer which exploits the extraordinary sensing
performance of so‐called frequency‐combs in the mid‐infrared spectral region. As a result, the
IRspectrometer offers an unmatched combination of high measurement speed (microsecond time
resolution) with the high brightness of a laser‐based instrument and a high spectral bandwidth.
The high measurement speed of the IRspectrometer opens new possibilities. For example, researchers
can observe the folding or conformational changes of proteins in real‐time. By this, they can learn
about correct and incorrect protein folding states. With this knowledge, they can find the reason for
protein folding errors and eventually cure diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinson. The spectrometer
will moreover enable high throughput screening and the brightness of the laser source enables analysis
of strongly absorbing samples.
Target market
Global demand for analysis has been ever increasing and is roughly segmented into a laboratory and
process analytical instruments. The former is further segmented into three main segments: molecular
analysis (optical methods and mass spectrometry), separation analysis (chromatographic methods)
followed by different methods of detection and atomic analysis. Innovation in the segments concerns
performance (speed, resolution) and efficiency (throughput, ease of use, maintenance).
In this context, IRsweep initially focuses on the laboratory instrument market, because it is more
performance driven than cost driven and because it is easier to access for new technologies. In own
market research, several fields with a push for performance (e.g. speed, brightness) were analyzed in
24 customer interviews. Most promising is the field of time‐resolved spectroscopy of biological
molecules, where there is a large research community in Europe as well as the US. Furthermore, the
Page 2
research community proliferates into the important pharmaceutical industry sector with further
growth opportunities.
Team
The management and founding team unifies three complementary key members. Dr. Andreas Hugi
developed the core laser technology of IRsweep. The worldwide leading role of ETH Zurich and IRsweep
and the first technology demonstration is due to his persistence and vision. Sensing system
competence is provided by Dr. Markus Mangold. He is experienced in developing portable optical
sensor systems based on laser technology. His latest development is a shoe‐box‐size sensor system
that is installed on a running tram for continuous air pollution measurements. Dr. Markus Geiser
unifies the necessary technical competences with experience in the financial sector. Before finishing
his PhD in Physics at ETH Zürich, he studied physics in Harvard and at TU Munich. He also worked for
the private equity fund Auctus Capital Partners in Munich before.
Competition
The laboratory analytical instrumentation market is dominated by large players such as Thermo Fisher,
Agilent and Bruker offering products based on established methods. In this market, mid‐IR sensing is
a young, developing field which is being developed mostly by start‐up companies. However, larger
players, such as ABB and Emerson have shown interest as of late with acquisitions of companies
specialized in mid‐IR sensing, posing also a possible exit strategy.
IRsweep AGAuguste-Piccard-Hof 1IQE, HPT H 4.18093 [email protected]
IRspectrometer – high speed and high brightness mid-infrared laser spectrometerThe IRspectrometer is the first commercial table-top frequency comb spectrometer offering microsecond time resolution com-bined with large spectral bandwidth and high spectral resolution. It opens new possi-bilities in various applications such as spec-troscopy of biological samples, monitoring of fast reactions and chemical composition analysis.Especially in applications with a demand for high time resolution or high throughput and when high brightness is required by strong absorptions, the IRsweep quantum cascade laser frequency comb spectrometer is the perfect solution.
Unique features
High speed: Time resolution down to 1 µs for a full spec-trum enables monitoring of fast processes and high throughput applications.
High brightness: The laser frequency comb source offers higher brightness than conventional globar-based systems. This enables analysis of strongly absorbing samples and shorter in-tegration times.
Bandwidth: A bandwidth of up to 150 cm-1 in the mid-IR range of 5 µm (2000 cm-1) to 10 µm (1000 cm-1) enables observation of broad absorp-tion features.
IRspectrometer 1/2©2016 IRsweep AG - All rights reserved
IRsweep AGAuguste-Piccard-Hof 1IQE, HPT H 4.18093 [email protected]
System specifications
Time resolution: < 1 µs
Signal-to noise ratio: > 100 @ 1 µs integration time > 1000 @ 100 µs integration time > 1000 @ 10 sec integration time
Light source: Dual quantum cascade laser frequency comb
Spectral coverage: up to 150 cm-1
Center wavelengths: 1050 cm-1 (9.5 µm ) – 1700 cm-1 (6 µm) available now 830 cm-1 (12 µm) – 2000 cm-1 (5 µm) under development
Spectral resolution: < 10 MHz (3x10-4 cm-1)
Spectral sampling: 0.25 – 0.5 cm-1
Readout interface: Transmission spectrum and multi-heterodyne spectrum display in software Export capabilities to CSV
Sample compartment: 28.7 x 20.8 x 17.5 cm (W x D x H) with M6 mounting grid
Dimensions: 103 x 63 x 34 cm (W x D x H) plus electronics
Weight: 78 kg (base configuration) plus electronics
Power consumption: 110 – 230 VAC, 700 W typical including electronics
Example applications
Time-resolved bio-spectroscopy: The high time resolution of the IRspectrometer will enable customers to observe e.g. conformal changes in proteins at microsecond time-scales. The brightness allows measurements through stronger absorbing samples than with FT-IRs.
High throughput IR-analysis: When optimizing the activity of enzymes through modifications, high throughput rates are key to analyze large sample sizes.
Chemical composition: Analysis of gaseous, liquid and solid samples. The high brightness can tolerate strong absorptions and the high resolution can resolve even spectrally narrow features.
Integration time [s]10-6 10-5 10-4 10-3
Alla
n de
viat
ion
10-4
10-3
10-2
10-1
Allan deviation of a single spectral element
Allan deviation as function of integration time. Only a single spectral element (data point in the spectrum is considered). Even better results can be achieved on broad ab-sorption features extending over multiple data points.
IRspectrometer 2/2©2016 IRsweep AG - All rights reserved
IRsweep AGAuguste-Piccard-Hof 1IQE, HPT H 4.18093 [email protected]
IRcell – long path in a compact designKeeping track of trace gas levels is of critical importance in a wide range of applications. For low abundance trace gases, small ab-sorptions can be observed by increasing the optical path length. This is achieved using multi pass cells.With the IRcell, we offer a multi pass cell consisting of only a single, circular mirror. The cell body is at the same time the mirror reflecting the optical beam.The advantage of such a configuration lies in its robustness towards mechanical stress such as vibrations or temperature changes. With this design, we offer an optical path of 3.5 m.
Unique features
Sub-permille optical noise: Very low optical fringe levels <0.2‰ rms are specified for the IRcell. Typical values are closer to 0.1‰ asseen in the figure. The fringe level further reduces drastically at de-creased spectral resolution.
Compact design: A 2-dimensional beam-pattern enables low sample volume. Patented absorption mask shown in black.
High Optical throughput:IRcell provides improved performance by combining high optical throughput with an enhanced path-to-volume ratio.
IRcell 1/2©2016 IRsweep AG - All rights reserved
IRsweep AGAuguste-Piccard-Hof 1IQE, HPT H 4.18093 [email protected]
Side view
Top view with gas fittings
System Specifications
Optical path length 349 cm / 137”
Input-output beam angle 28 degree horizontal 3 degree vertical
Beam alignment tolerance ±0.002 degree horizontal ±0.1 degree vertical
Ideal numerical aperture (NA) 0.027
Input hole diameter 4 mm / 0.157“
Fringe level < 2.0 x 10-4 rms@ λ=4.3 μm
Wavelength range IR / mid-IR / THz
Gas volume 38 ml
Gas fittings Swagelok 6 mm or 1/4‘‘ or Whitworth G 1/8“
Absolute pressure range 0-1 bar / 0-750 torr
Leak rate < 1 x 10-7 bar x l/s
Mirror surface Gold
O-Ring material NBR
Absorption mask material Teflon, others on request
Window material options BaF2 , CaF2 , Al2O3 , N-BK7, others on request
Dimensions 10 cm diameter,3 cm height (excluding gas connectors)
Mounting 3 x M6
Example Applications
- Industrial process control- Ambient air analysis- Safety and security screening
20
1 00
79.8
2200
22.5
90
90
50
55
60
45
120
120
8
3xM6
Bottom view with threaded holes for mounting
IRcell 2/2©2016 IRsweep AG - All rights reserved
All measures in mm unless stated otherwise.
|| 18.01.2017 [email protected]
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Application examples
• Biological processes (e.g.protein folding)
• Fast chemical reactions
Time‐resolved spectroscopy
• Large groups of samples
• Optimize enzyme kinetics
High throughput analysis
• Transmission even through strongly absorbing samples
• Allows easier sample preparation through thicker slabs
Fast low‐noise measurements
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Coverage now
1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
10 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.1 6.6 6.3 5.9
λ (µm)
Wavenumber (cm‐1)
|| 18.01.2017 6
Coverage under development
1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
10 9.1 8.3 7.7 7.1 6.6 6.3 5.9
λ (µm)
Wavenumber (cm‐1)
|| 18.01.2017 11
Signal to noise ratio
1 µs 1% standard error100 µs 1‰ standard errorSub‐permille long term stability
