Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is experiencing strong growth due to technological improvements. Security and safety applications are the major areas of use for portable FT-IR, but there are also significant niche and recently established markets. Numerous new instruments combined with the relatively small market size point to strong continued growth in demand for the technology.

At the heart of an FT-IR spectrometer is an interferometer, which splits the analysis light beam into a reference beam and a variable beam, which are then recombined and analyzed using a Fourier Transform. The result is an instrument with a much greater optical sensitivity than a standard filter-based IR spectrometer. Interferometers, which have traditionally suffered from a sensitivity to vibration and temperature fluctuations, are now more rugged due to technological improvements. Other advancements include smaller, more stable lasers that require less power, and improvements in battery technology. These developments have led to the introduction of higher performance and more compact portable systems, some of which rival the performance of benchtop systems.

Portable FT-IR is most useful for the identification of unknown substances, including toxic chemicals, chemical weapons and explosives. The technology’s characteristics also make it useful for the niche market of in-field environmental analysis. A large potential market for FT-IR, which has yet to develop significantly, is polymers and coatings analysis. FT-IR can evaluate the quality and thickness of coatings, composite materials and metals. It is very likely that handheld FT-IR instruments will be used for routine inspections in the aerospace industry as aircraft with composite construction begin to enter service.

Smiths Detection is the solid leader in the portable FT-IR market, focusing on portable and in-field instruments for security and defense applications. The acquisition of SensIR several years ago (see IBO 4/15/04) was the core of Smiths’ FT-IR business. Smiths is now also selling the HazMatID Ranger, which is built on an OEM basis by A2 Technologies. A2, which was founded by SensIR employees, is a competitor in the portable FT-IR market, but unlike Smiths is focused on industrial applications. Ahura Scientific, although only entering the market in early 2008, has made a number of major technological advancements in portable spectroscopic instrumentation, which it was able to apply to the FT-IR market. Bruker, which is heavily involved in both spectroscopy and military applications, is also a significant competitor, having introduced a new model in 2008.

Excluding in-field open-path FT-IR systems, benchtop instruments and non–FT-IR portable IR instruments, the worldwide market for portable FT-IR was about $40 million in 2008, having nearly doubled in two years. Despite the global recession, demand should still grow in the double digits in 2009 and beyond.

Portable FT-IR at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• A2 Technologies

• Ahura Scientific

• Bruker

• Smiths Detection

Largest Markets

• HazMat

• Security and Military

Instrument Cost

• $30,000–$50,000