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The staff at Designs and Prototypes (D&P) have provided consistently first-rate technical
support and advice. We recently purchased a MicroFTIR Model 102F and have been using it in
our laboratory to measure the spectral reflectance properties of powdered mineral samples
that we suspect or know are present on the surface of Mars. We are measuring the reflectance
spectra of the minerals in our environment chamber (through a 10 mm thick sapphire window)
and monitoring changes in various absorption bands, particularly those associated with water.
We are using the spectrometer to monitor changes in both composition and structure of the
minerals. With the new D&P lens accessory we can do close-up work and acquire
high quality spectra for small amounts of powdered mineral samples. We plan to take it
out in the field this summer to measure reflectance and emittance spectra at terrestrial
sites that may provide some insights into the surface geology of Mars. The 102F is a very
slick unit, nicely packaged, rugged, compact, and easy to work with. We see this as being
our "workhorse" unit both in the field and in the laboratory. Thanks for producing this
great instrument.
Dr. Ed Cloutis
Professor
Department of Geography
University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Click here to learn more about Dr. Cloutis
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"The folks at Designs and Prototypes (D&P) have been exceptional to work
with both before and after the sale. I have been involved in the
purchase of two MicroFTIR Model 102 instruments for two separate
organizations. The first unit had a serial number of 001 (which is
always scary). The support that I received in learning how to use the
instrument as well as the detailed explanations of its inner workings
have given me and my colleagues great insight in how to collect high
quality spectral emissivity measurements under all kinds of
environmental and geographical conditions. We have had it in the
desert, in the rain forest, and on a glacier and it has proven equally
capable under all these situations. Even when the shipping company we
used decided to "drop test" the instrument off their loading dock on
its way overseas, the folks at D&P talked me through a temporary fix of
the damaged component so that I could salvage the trip and make
measurements during this one-time opportunity. My thanks go out to D&P
for the exceptional products they provided me with as well as the
unconditional support over the years."