IRM Beamline
Welcome!
The infrared microscopy beamline analyses a diverse range of samples for chemical and structural information; from bone to meteorites to electrochemical cells to plant material to cheese to paint, the possibilities seem almost endless!
Some reasons to utilise synchrotron-FTIR microscopy include:
To gain spatially resolved information about a sample through raster mapping (point-by-point measurements of individual spectra that are stitched together)
To acquire single point spectra on samples which are too small for laboratory-based instruments
To observe reactions (e.g. electrochemical and (photo)catalysis), including intermediates
Here are the people to contact if you want to chat about potential projects using the IRM instrument.
Ready to write a proposal? Find below some of the commonly requested information.
To find out proposal application deadlines follow this link and look under the merit access drop down: ANSTO website - access information
Contact the IRM team by emailing: as-irm@ansto.gov.au
Technical Information
Proposal Preparation
Writing your proposal
How small is too small?
Hardware-based wavenumber limits
How much time do I need to apply for?
Reaction-based experiments
Experiments involving the monitoring of chemical, electrochemical, photochemical or catalysis reactions require extra planning; particularly surrounding the safety requirements for the experiment at the beamline.
If you are a new User group you must get in contact with the beamline team before submitting your proposal: as-irm@ansto.gov.au
For your proposal, you must list the reactants, intermediates, and products of the reaction, and if any of these species are hazardous. If hazardous species are present (e.g. CO, H2), the theoretical maximum amount must be stated and how it relates to any relevant exposure limits (for toxic/harmful species) and explosion limits (for flammable species), as well as the safety measures that will be used to minimise risk. We calculate the room volume to be 40 m3.
Further information on reaction-based experiments, including battery and catalysis experiments.
Gas requirements
We have limited gas handling capabilities at the beamline. Please get in contact if you are a new User group to IRM and wish to use a gas as part of your experiment.
For new experiments that will require a gas other than air, N2, or CO2, you must get in contact with the beamline team before submitting your proposal.
Beamtime (and beyond)
Sample Preparation
(Hybrid) Macro-ATR samples: Essential information
Please read this to understand the sample preparation requirements for our (hybrid) macro-ATR technique
During Beamtime
Post Beamtime
Data Analysis
Video download link (1080 resolution)