The 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System

8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System

Emerging contaminants such as microplastics require innovative analysis techniques. Applying quantum cascade laser spectroscopy, the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System brings unprecedented speed of analysis and ease of use to analytical challenges such as this.

The 8700 LDIR system’s fully automated microplastics workflows are ideally suited to the analysis of microplastic particles in environmental samples, food, and more. By processing samples in minutes or hours, not days, the 8700 LDIR allows a higher sample throughout with minimal operator intervention. This can reduce costs and potential errors, and give you the results you need, fast.

LDIR Chemical Imaging System

For LDIR feasibility assessments and product testing opportunities, contact our application experts

Features

Highly automated workflows allow you to locate, describe and identify microplastics particles from a range of sample matrices.
Ability to survey and image large sample areas and then interrogate smaller areas of interest in more detail without changing any optics.
Fully controlled using Agilent Clarity software, simple load-and-go methods require minimal instrument interaction, and small footprint saves laboratory bench space.
Inbuilt libraries for real-time spectral matching. Results are updated as spectral acquisition continues.
Quantum cascade laser (QCL) and thermoelectrically cooled detectors eliminate the need for liquid nitrogen, reducing operating costs and simplifying maintenance.
On-board ATR allows you to further interrogate unknown particles without removing the sample. Spectra can be exported to external libraries for confirmation of identity.
Enables expert spectroscopists and trained technicians to analyze and characterize samples rapidly and accurately.

How It Works

Applications

Literature

Key Literature

Microplastics Analysis and the Infrared Spectrum: Is Spectral Range Selection Critical?

A series of experiments showed that all the major-types of polymer can be successfully identified using the fingerprint region (975–1800 cm?1) of the IR spectral range.

White Papers
English
23 Jan 2025
2.04 MB
PDF

From Collection to Analysis: A Practical Guide to Sample Preparation and Processing of Microplastics

This guide details essential aspects of preparing samples for accurate and standardized microplastics characterization using LDIR. It covers the necessary tools and considerations for setting up a microplastics laboratory, the sample preparation process, and analysis methods for various matrices including bottled drinking water, environmental water, sand and sediment, and infant formula.

Technical Overviews
English
30 Aug 2024
7.64 MB
PDF

Optimizing Microplastic Characterization by LDIR: Automated Versus Manual Workflows

This study evaluates manual and automated LDIR workflows, highlighting complementary strengths in detecting and identifying particles as small as 2?μm on low-E slides and reliably characterizing those ≥10?μm.

Technical Overviews
English
15 Oct 2025
2.94 MB
PDF

Application Notes

Brochures

Catalogs

Data Sheets

Flyers

Primers

Technical Overviews

White Papers

News

Microplastics Characterization in Carbonated Beverages and Apple Juice by Laser Direct Infrared

Microplastics in food and drink raises contamination concerns. This study uses the Agilent 8700 LDIR system for rapid, automated detection in carbonated beverages and apple juice. Samples in plastic, glass, cans, and cartons were analyzed directly on aluminum-coated filters. Using the Clarity software’s particle analysis and microplastics library, PVC and PET were found in all samples, showing the system’s suitability for food safety monitoring.

17 Oct 2025

White Paper: Microplastic Analysis in Drinking Water—Navigating Regulatory Frameworks

Dive into the world of microplastics in water! Read the white paper to explore innovative methodologies, address critical challenges, and anticipate regulatory changes in water quality.

10 Apr 2025

New Agilent Community Spectroscopy User Groups for TRS100 and 8700 LDIR

The Agilent Community, an online customer support and forum space, has expanded to include two specialized user groups focusing on transmission Raman spectroscopy and the 8700 LDIR for microplastics analysis. These groups allow for dedicated spaces for conversations and knowledge sharing.

11 Sep 2023

Featured References

Publications

A baseline for microplastic particle occurrence and distribution in Great Bay Estuary, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 170, 2021,112653 Learn More
An innovative evaluation method based on polymer mass detection to evaluate the contribution of microfibers from laundry process to municipal wastewater, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 407, 2021, 124861 Learn More
Are microplastics correlated to phthalates in facility agriculture soil?, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 412, 2021, 125164 Learn More
Automated analysis of microplastics based on vibrational spectroscopy: Are we measuring the same metrics?, ChemRxiv. Cambridge: Cambridge Open Engage; 2021; This content is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed. Learn More
Coastal ecosystem inventory with characterization and identification of plastic contamination and additives from aquaculture materials, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 167, 2021, 112286 Learn More
Comparison of Detection Methods of Microplastics in Landfill Mineralized Refuse and Selection of Degradation Degree Indexes, Environmental Science & Technology 2021 55 (20), 13802-13811 Learn More
Microplastic contamination of an unconfined groundwater aquifer in Victoria, Australia, Science of The Total Environment, Volume 802, 2022, 149727 Learn More
Microplastic pollution alters forest soil microbiome, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 409, 2021, 124606 Learn More
Microplastics in the Mississippi River and Mississippi Sound, James Cizdziel, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, 2020 Learn More
Occurrence of Microplastic Pollution at Oyster Reefs and Other Coastal Sites in the Mississippi Sound, USA: Impacts of Freshwater Inflows from Flooding, Toxics 2020, 8, 35 Learn More
Study on the discharge of microplastics via a waste water plant and potential abatement by using a water bubble curtain, KWR, March 2021 Learn More

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