Molecular Spectroscopy
Contacts
► Jacques Pironon, scientific manager
Tél. +33 (0)3 72 74 55 44
► Odile Barres, technical manager
Tél. +33 (0)3 72 74 55 55
► Marie-Camille Caumon, technical manager
Tél. +33 (0)3 72 74 55 37
The platform in video
The objective is to analyse, in a non-destructive and rapid manner, solid, liquid or gaseous samples, in order to determine the molecular composition, identify the nature of the mineral phases, and quantify the species present.
The principle of the equipment is based on the interaction between light and matter. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy allow us to determine the vibration energies of molecular groups. These vibration energies are located in the range of infrared radiation and are sensitive to the physical and chemical environment of the molecules.
These two spectroscopy techniques are complementary and allow us to make microscopic spot measurements on thin sections or powders. They also allow us to perform molecular mapping and to conduct analyses at controlled pressures and temperatures for gas and liquids.
The infrared and Raman spectrometers can also be taken out of the laboratory for conducting measurement campaigns in the field for exploration or monitoring.
The laboratory contains two Raman Horiba microspectrometers with imaging and coupled microthermometry, two Raman Kaiser spectrometers with fibre and wave optics, three FT-IR Bruker optical benches (two with microscopes), and a Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (WS-
These spectroscopy systems are complementary and allow us to obtain not only discrete, thermostated microscopic measurements on thin capillary slides, but also to perform molecular mapping, macroscopic analysis of gas and liquid cells, measurements of specular reflection and diffuse reflection on solids, and measurements and infrared-emission mapping of atmospheric gases.
Raman fibre optics is used to connect the systems to the experimental benches. The infrared and Raman spectrometers can also be taken outside the laboratory for conducting remote atmospheric measurements and surveys.