Analytik, leading suppliers of innovative analytical solutions to the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the release of the LabSpec 4 line of portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers from ASD Inc., for rapid, non-destructive materials analysis for qualitative and quantitative applications.

The new LabSpec 4 line of NIR instruments is portable and precise. This advanced new line features an improved optical design providing a faster speed of analysis while yielding the best possible analytical results on a wide range of materials, including solids, powders and liquids. Additionally, wireless capabilities are now standard for more flexible use and a new ruggedised cable ensures superior fibre optics performance.

Improvements to the LabSpec 4 line provide the user with higher quality measurements that identify and quantify materials in real time with minimal sample preparation. The non-destructive measurements result in minimised sample waste, and users enjoy the ability to measure multiple properties simultaneously.

There is already a large and diverse LabSpec user base in the UK and Ireland, demonstrating that ASD's portable NIR technology is not only well established and extremely powerful, but also flexible in terms of application. Some industries and existing users include:

• Pharmaceuticals: MHRA, Abbot Laboratories Ltd
• Nutraceuticals: Essential Nutrition Ltd, Probiotics International Ltd
• Chemicals: Procter & Gamble Ltd
• Cosmetics: Coty Inc. (Rimmel)
• Soil/Rocks: British Geological Survey, Sibelco UK Ltd
• Polymers: Gnosys Global Ltd, University of Surrey - Polymer Research Centre
• Food/Beverage: Rothamsted Research (grain), Dunbia Ltd (meat)
• Heritage: Historic Scotland, UCL - Centre for Sustainable Heritage

ASD has released three models of the LabSpec 4 analytical instrumentation. The Hi-Res model (6 nm) produces exceptional high-resolution spectral data while maintaining an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio. This instrument is ideal for the measurement of materials that have sharp, well-defined spectra features such as polymers, petrochemicals, industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical active ingredients. The LabSpec 4 Hi-Res model produces faster, more precise analytical results for more accurate characterisation of incoming raw materials and in-process or finished products.

This is complemented by a "standard" resolution system providing an ideal balance between spectral resolution and noise performance. The LabSpec 4 Standard-Res (10 nm) analyser can be used for measurement in food and feed products, forestry products and raw materials identification.

Both the Hi-Res and Standard-Res instruments are available as "i" models - models with an internal light source useful in measuring liquids, slurries, small sample sizes as well as other application that may require analysis using fibre optic sample probes.

Finally, the LabSpec 4 is also available as a benchtop instrument, the LabSpec 4 Bench (10 nm) provides the same level of performance as the Standard-Res model with the benefits of a stationary, space-saving design.

For more information about ASD's instruments, visit: www.asdi.com/products/labspec.

Cambridge-based Analytik are the exclusive UK and Ireland distributors of ASD's family of spectroscopy products. To learn more about the full range and their applications, visit: http://www.analytik.co.uk/.