Ettlingen, Germany 2/22/18—Scientific instrument company Bruker has acquired IRM² for an undisclosed amount. IRM² develops high-speed, Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL)–based IR imaging microscopes. Applications include biological tissue analysis and materials science. “Novel QCL technology can offer major speed advantages for infrared and Raman microscopy of large sampling areas, with great promise for the selective screening of biological tissues,” said Bruker Optics President Urban Fäh.

Bruker told IBO that the IRM² system was not previously available for sale. Advantages of IR imaging microscopes using QCL versus FT-IR microscopy include faster acquisition times, no requirement for cryogenic cooling and the ability to create more compact systems. Possible clinical applications of the technology include histopathology and biofluid analysis. Other companies that provide QCL-based IR microscopes include DRS Daylight Solutions and Block Engineering.