In both formulation development areas and the process analytical support functions it is essential to be able to identify anomalous distribution of ingredients, and FT-NIR imaging is rapidly being implemented by major pharmaceutical companies to help solve these and many other manufacturing problems.

FT-NIR Imaging performance and productivity
The Spotlight 400N combines state-of-the art imaging technology and full automation, maximizing productivity and accelerating problem solving. The Near-IR spectral range is particularly convenient for rapid sample imaging and sample preparation is often unnecessary. Spectra are collected directly from the sample surface at a pixel size of either 6.25 x 6.25 um or 25 x 25 um over a user-definable sampling area. Samples are simply stepped below a linear detector array, building an image at a rate of up to 80 pixels per second - for example at 25 x 25 um pixel size, a 1 x 1 mm sample area can be imaged in less than 1 minute and a 5 x 5 mm sample area in around 7 minutes. Each pixel corresponds to a high-quality NIR spectrum and by using Spotlights built-in intelligent software routines, chemical differences between pixels are highlighted images that show the distribution of individual ingredients are quickly displayed.

Key Benefits

• Seamless automation simplifies set-up and measurement, increasing productivity and reducing errors
• Two-in-one detector enables single-point microscopy as well as IR Imaging, allowing micro-contaminants in products and packaging to be identified in seconds
• Powerful built-in data processing routines automate data analysis and provide quick answers
• Superb visible image quality ensures accurate and easy sample inspection
• User-defined sampling area and aspect ratio allows you to match the image size to the sample size.
• Full range imaging from 7800 2200 cm-1 covers the most information-rich areas of the spectrum, maximising applications flexibility

Further Applications
There are many other application-areas where FTIR and FT-NIR imaging can troubleshoot problems leading to significant cost savings.

• Tablet stability studies
• Dry powder electrostatic coating analysis
• Counterfeit detection
• Contamination identification
• Packaging development
• Transdermal patches and related delivery systems