Hannover Press Kit 2017
IRsweep AG, Auguste-Piccard-Hof 1, IQE HPT, CH-8093 Zürich
Presse Hannover Messe 2017
IRsweep AG Auguste-Piccard-Hof 1 IQE, HPT H 4.1 8093 Zürich www.irsweep.com Dr. Andreas Hugi +41 79 778 57 11 [email protected]
Zurich, 24.04.2017 IRsweep press kit Dear member of the press, Thank you for your interest in IRsweep. In this press kit, you can find information about us as well as our products. Specifically, it contains - A press release - Company background information - Datasheet IRspectrometer - Datasheet IRcell - IRspectrometer product performance presentation You can find the press kit as well as high resolution images at https://irsweep.com/page_news_room.html (www.irsweep.com | Company | News room) If you have any further questions, we are happy to answer them at the Swiss Pavilion Booth in Hall 2, Stand C39 or via phone/mail. Best regards, Andreas Hugi Managing Director
IRsweep AG Auguste-Piccard-Hof 1 IQE, HPT H 4.1 8093 Zürich www.irsweep.com
NEWS RELEASE IRspectrometer Europe Release — Industry's First Turn-Key DualComb Mid-IR Spectrometer — Unmatched combination of speed, bandwidth, and brightness opens new possibilities for analysis in applications — HANNOVER MESSE 2017, 24 - 28 April — After a successful launch at Photonics West in Janury 2017, IRSweep today presents for the first time in Europe the IRspectrometer — the first commercial tabletop frequency comb spectrometer offering microsecond time resolution combined with a large spectral bandwidth and high spectral resolution. The introduction of IRspectrometer advances spectroscopy in a variety applications, including the analysis of biological samples, monitoring of fast reactions, and chemical composition analysis. IRspectrometer excels where fast time resolution or high throughput and superior brightness is required — including applications involving a complex background matrix or where multiple similar molecules must be simultaneously quantified. Advancing Mid-IR Spectrometry IRspectrometer is the first instrument to provide the advantages of dual-comb spectroscopy in a complete turn-key solution. Featuring the radically different approach of dual-comb spectroscopy that was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005, IRspectrometer overcomes the limitations of the well-known trade-offs of speed, resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio of Michelson FT-IRs. Unique features of IRspectrometer include: -
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High speed: The fast time resolution of IRspectrometer (as low as 1 μs for a full spectrum) enables monitoring fast processes and high-throughput applications without relying on techniques like step-scan in FT-IRs. Superior brightness: The brightness of IRspectrometer’s laser frequency comb source is superior to conventional globar-based systems — providing an extraordinary dynamic range and enabling the analysis of high-absorption samples. This advantage significantly eases sample preparation for liquid and solid analytes. Bandwidth: IRspectrometer delivers microsecond resolution at high bandwidths. Center wavelengths between 6 µm (1700 cm-1) and 9.5 µm (1050 cm-1), covering fundamental amid absorption bands, are available. The range between 5 µm (2000 cm-1) and 12 um (830 cm-1) is under development. Signal-to-noise: IRspectrometer achieves signal-to-noise ratios above 1000 per data point within less than a millisecond.
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New Possibilities for Analysis IRspectrometer’s unmatched combination of speed, bandwidth, and brightness opens new possibilities for analysis in key applications. Examples include: -
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Time-resolved bio-spectroscopy: IRspectrometer’s fast time resolution enables the observation of conformal changes in proteins in microseconds. The instrument’s brightness allows measurements of higher absorption samples than with FT-IRs. High-throughput IR analysis: When optimizing the activity of enzymes through modifications, IRspectrometer’s high-throughput rates excel in the analysis of large sample sizes. Chemical composition in the analysis of gaseous, liquid and solid samples: IRspectrometer’s superior brightness can handle high-absorptions samples. The instrument’s high resolution can resolve even narrow spectral features.
Immediate Availability IRspectrometer is immediately available as a tabletop instrument with a standard sample interface in transmission configuration. For more information, see live demonstrations of IRspectrometer at the Swiss Pavilion, Hall 2, Stand C39. Or, contact IRsweep at [email protected], +41 79 778 57 11, or visit the company website at https://irsweep.com. About IRsweep Based in Zürich, Switzerland, IRsweep was founded as an ETH Zurich corporate spin-off in 2014. IRsweep offers cutting edge optical sensing solutions based on semiconductor quantum cascade laser (QCL) frequency combs in the mid-infrared spectral range. IRsweep is dedicated to providing fast, selective, and broadband laser spectroscopy for a large range of applications. The company’s vision is to advance current optical analytic technology and expand the availability of optical methods to users. Visit the IRsweep website at https://irsweep.com. # # # Notes to Editors: -
Company contact: Andreas Hugi, Ph.D. / +41 79 778 57 11, [email protected] High-resolution photos for publication are available upon request.
IRsweep AG Auguste‐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 AG Auguste-Piccard-Hof 1 IQE, HPT H 4.1 8093 Zurich [email protected] www.irsweep.com
IRspectrometer –
high speed and high brightness mid-infrared laser spectrometer The IRspectrometer is the first commercial table-top frequency comb spectrometer offering microsecond time resolution combined with large spectral bandwidth and high spectral resolution. It opens new possibilities in various applications such as spectroscopy 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.
©2016 IRsweep AG - All rights reserved
Unique features High speed: Time resolution down to 1 µs for a full spectrum enables monitoring of fast processes and high throughput applications. High brightness: The laser frequency comb source offers higher brightness than conventional globarbased systems. This enables analysis of strongly absorbing samples and shorter integration 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 absorption features.
IRspectrometer 1/2
IRsweep AG Auguste-Piccard-Hof 1 IQE, HPT H 4.1 8093 Zurich [email protected] www.irsweep.com
Allan deviation of a single spectral element -1
Allan deviation
10
10-2 10-3 10-4
10
-6
10
-5
10
-4
Integration time [s]
10
-3
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 absorption features extending over multiple data points.
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.
©2016 IRsweep AG - All rights reserved
IRspectrometer 2/2
IRsweep AG Auguste-Piccard-Hof 1 IQE, HPT H 4.1 8093 Zurich [email protected] www.irsweep.com
IRcell –
long path in a compact design Keeping track of trace gas levels is of critical importance in a wide range of applications. For low abundance trace gases, small absorptions 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
