Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces new RaptIR X FTIR Microscope

RaptIR X Microscope pairs high-definition optical microscopy with FTIR microspectroscopy so labs can identify samples more efficiently and intuitively

13 Oct 2026
RaptIR X FTIR Microscope from Thermo Fisher Scientific

RaptIR X FTIR Microscope

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ RaptIR™ X FTIR Microscope, the latest advancement in FTIR microscopy designed to make chemical analysis of microscopic samples more accessible, intuitive and efficient for laboratories.

Combining high-definition optical microscopy with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) microspectroscopy, the RaptIR X microscope helps users pinpoint microscopic features and identify their molecular composition, supporting a wide range of applications from identifying polymers and microplastics and analyzing pharmaceutical formulations, to investigating material failures and characterizing materials in forensic, art conservation and geological research.

Built on 50 years of Nicolet innovation in FTIR spectroscopy, the RaptIR X microscope is designed to simplify FTIR microscopy for both experienced spectroscopists and users new to the application.

The microscope is operated through the intuitive Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Paradigm Software, which provides guided workflows for sample acquisition and analysis, helping streamline the path from measurement to molecular insight.

Features and benefits include:

  • High-speed chemical analysis: Collect up to 10 spectra per second at 5-micron spatial resolution, supporting rapid chemical mapping of large sample areas and helping users move from sample to results more efficiently.
  • High-resolution imaging: 1-micron visible resolution and 5-micron infrared resolution enable users to precisely visualize microscopic features and identify their molecular composition.
  • Large-sample handling: A heavy-duty stage accommodates samples up to 40 mm thick and weighing up to 5 kg, supporting laboratories working with large or challenging samples.
  • Automated and reproducible analysis: Automated detector switching and a fixed detector position help reduce manual intervention and support consistent measurements across different measurement ranges.

“The RaptIR X microscope brings the speed, precision and flexibility laboratories need to investigate increasingly complex samples, while making advanced FTIR microscopy easier to use than ever before,” said Ganesh Prasad, General Manager, Vibrational Spectroscopy Products at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

“It's a platform that reflects our commitment to innovation — giving laboratories the confidence to move from a microscopic observation to a molecular answer, quickly and reliably.”

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PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals are medicinal drugs used in healthcare to diagnose, prevent, cure and treat illnesses. Pharmaceuticals that are excreted after use appear in wastewater and can have detrimental effects on the environment.Forensic InvestigationForensic investigation is a diverse collection of scientific techniques and methods for the identification and characterization of chemicals relating to crime scene investigations.PolymersPolymers are large molecules made up of many repeat units. Natural polymers such as DNA and proteins are essential to life, whereas synthetic polymers such as polystyrene and polyethylene are used widely due to their functionality. Typical techniques for analysis include GPC, SEC, DSC, FT-IR and NMR.GeologyMinerals

Frequently asked questions

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What is the Thermo Scientific Nicolet RaptIR X FTIR Microscope?

The Nicolet™ RaptIR™ X FTIR Microscope from Thermo Fisher Scientific combines high-definition optical microscopy with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy microspectroscopy. It enables laboratories to locate microscopic features and identify their molecular composition with speed, precision and flexibility.

What applications does the RaptIR X FTIR Microscope support?

The RaptIR X supports polymer and microplastic identification, pharmaceutical formulation analysis, material failure investigation and material characterization. It can also be used in forensic science, art conservation and geological research.

How does OMNIC Paradigm Software simplify FTIR microscopy?

Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Paradigm Software provides intuitive, guided workflows for sample acquisition and analysis. It streamlines the process from measurement to molecular insight, making FTIR microscopy more accessible to experienced spectroscopists and users who are new to the application.