PN 350-025004-09
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Introduction
The PIKE Technologies MIRacle™ is a patented Universal Sampling Accessory designed for single- or
multi-reflection attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and specular reflectance measurements with FTIR
spectrometers. The accessory features a unique optical design (US.PAT: 5,965,889 and 6,128,075), which
provides exceptional sensitivity and IR throughput. The single-reflection sampling plate of the accessory
has a 1.8 mm round crystal surface allowing reliable analysis of small samples. Solid materials can be put
into intimate physical contact with the sampling area through high-pressure clamping, yielding high-
quality, reproducible spectra.
ATR crystal plates come in several configurations, including ZnSe, Ge, Si or diamond. The first three
options are suitable for analysis of liquids, semi-liquid materials and pliable solids. The Si or diamond
configurations should be used when working with reactive samples and/or abrasive solid materials that
need to be pressed hard against the crystal. Single-reflection ATR works very well for the analysis of
relatively strong absorbing substances (e.g. polymers, rubber, paint chips, fibers, etc.). Highly absorbing
samples, such as black rubber, are best analyzed using the Ge plate due to its lower depth of penetration.
Acidic samples are best handled with Ge, Si or diamond crystal plates. For samples with relatively lower
absorption characteristics or when trace elements are present, the 3- and 9-Reflection ATR Plates are also
available in most crystal materials. Also, the MIRacle Specular Reflection Plate provides even more
flexibility for 45° specular reflection work without the need to change the accessory base.
The compact design of the accessory employs a transfer mirror to direct the infrared beam to one end of
an IR transmitting ATR crystal. A second mirror directs the beam emitted from the other end of the
MIRacle plate to the detector built into your FTIR spectrometer. The MIRacle features a universal
sampling plate design that eliminates the need for separate trough and flat plates, such as normally
required in ATR for handling liquid and solid samples, respectively. The accessory can be equipped with
a wide choice of compression clamps including micrometer controlled, high-pressure, rotating high
pressure and digital readout high-pressure. Included as standard are the base optics assembly with
purge tubes specific to your FTIR spectrometer model, purge tubing attachments and adjustment
wrench set. Add to this your choice of MIRacle universal plate(s) and pressure clamp(s), all of which are
easily interchangeable.
Figure 1. High-Pressure Clamp Figure 2. Base Optics
