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Quantum Cascade Laser Products

Block has created IR absorption spectrometers, based on widely tunable (600 cm-1) QCLs. The systems utilize a high brightness QCL source, which results in high spectral power density and radiance. This bright QCL source provides the ability to measure trace and bulk levels of liquids and solids at a standoff distance with high sensitivity and rapidly analyze highly absorbing or diffusive materials.

Block's QCL spectrometers are superior to traditional FTIRs in sensitivity, versatility, ruggedness, and portability. Also, they can very rapidly analyze samples. They are effective for applications ranging from standoff analysis of trace and bulk materials, to gas measurements, to powerful analysis of microscopic targets, such as biological cells or forensic samples.

In addition to its spectrometers, Block also supplies tunable mid-IR sources.

Products include:

  • LaserScan™ is a portable, standoff, mid-IR absorption spectrometer. LaserScan detects and analyzes substances on surfaces from a standoff distance of 6 inches to 2 feet. An alternate version of the device is designed to interface with common FTIR accessories, including liquid and gas cells.

  • LaserBench™ is a bench-top infrared laser spectrometer for laboratory use that is capable of accepting standard FTIR sample handling accessories. The heart of the instrument is Block Engineering's widely tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectral engine, capable of providing a continuous spectrum in the heart of the infrared fingerprint region.

  • LaserScope™ is a mid-IR spectrometer used in combination with an IR microscope either as an upgrade to an existing FTIR microscope or as a stand-alone system including the microscope. LaserScope utilizes a high brightness QCL source, which results in high spectral power density and radiance. This enables both improved spectral quality for more precise mapping and rapid analysis of small samples.

  • LaserTune™ is a tunable mid-IR source. The fully integrated LaserTune system has the widest tuning range of any mid-IR QCL source available.