DRAFT – DP WORKING ON THIS
NATIONAL GALLERY
SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT
SPECIFICATION: FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED (FTIR) IMAGING
MICROSCOPE
1.00 Introduction:
1.01 The National Gallery’s Scientific Department carries out high level research
on the materials, conservation and deterioration of old master paintings, using
a range of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy. The Scientific Department requires an FTIR imaging/mapping
instrument which is suitable for the imaging of paint microsamples. The
Department currently has a Thermo-Nicolet 5700 FTIR spectrometer attached
to a Nicolet Nic-Plan microscope (without imaging capability), which is
nearing the end of its useful life.
1.02 The provider is expected to supply and install the FTIR imaging instrument,
give training and support and be able to maintain the instrument over a
number of years.
1.03 Tendered prices should include equipment purchase price, installation and
delivery, training and warranties. It should also include, itemised separately,
the cost of a maintenance contract for the FTIR imaging equipment for a three
year period after expiry of the warranty.
2.00 Requirements:
2.01 The FTIR imaging equipment will be used by approximately 4 experienced
users. The instrument must fulfil the following roles:
The ability to perform ATR-FTIR imaging/mapping on paint cross
sections mounted in small polyester resin blocks.
The ability to collect single-point transmission spectra from a defined area
(using masking edges) on paint microsamples compressed in a diamond
anvil.
The effective manipulation and evaluation of the 2D and 3D data acquired
by the instrument.
It is expected that the manufacturer will be able to demonstrate achievement of the
above objectives and the criteria defined below at site demonstrations. Technical
assessment will be based on a range of imaging and analytical performance
criteria including:
- The successful imaging of particular areas of interest within a number of
samples, selected to demonstrate a range of queries that can arise during the
analysis of samples from Old Master paintings.
- Excellent signal-to-noise ratios in spectra obtained in both ATR and
transmission modes.
- The ability to carry out the above operation with minimum effect or damage to
the paint sample so that it is preserved for subsequent analysis using other
techniques such as SEM-EDX analysis.
- Ease of use of software/hardware.
(a) Detectors
- The FTIR imaging microscope should include a Focal Plane Array (FPA) or
Linear Array detector and a single point MCT detector.
- ATR-FTIR imaging must be possible using the FPA or linear array detector,
allowing the analysis of areas of at least 64 x 64 µm (either by analysing
smaller areas which are then combined automatically or by a ‘one shot’
analysis) to provide a two dimensional IR image.
- For systems capturing less than 64 x 64 µm at one time, the FTIR microscope
should include automated ATR mapping/imaging so that the ATR analysis of
an area this size can be performed without user intervention.
- The ATR crystal should be made from Germanium. The FTIR imaging
microscope should provide a pixel resolution of xx µm for the standard 15x
objective. For ATR imaging the FTIR imaging microscope should provide a
pixel resolution of significantly higher than xx µm.
- The production of single-point transmission spectra using our existing
compression diamond cells (SpectraTech) must also be possible.
(b) Microscope
- The microscope should be equipped with a CCD camera and (ideally) a
binocular for visible inspection of the sample.
- For systems capturing less than 64 x 64 µm at one time, the FTIR microscope
must include a motorised xyz stage with high precision in order to
automatically analyse samples.
- It should be possible to digitally capture a visible image of the sample which
can then be ‘registered’ with the area analysed.
- To enhance the visual contrast in samples upon birefringence, crossed
polarisers for transmission and reflection should be included in the FTIR
microscope.
(c) FTIR Spectrometer
- FTIR spectrometer should cover the spectral range from 8000 to 340 cm-1
using a KBR beam splitter.
- The spectral resolution of the FTIR spectrometer should be better than 0.9 cm-
1
.
- FTIR spectrometer should include a high stability and wear-free
interferometer.
- Spectrometer components like source, laser, detector, interferometer and
automation units must be continuously monitored for operation within factory
specifications. The operator must be immediately notified by system software
if any of the factory specifications are not met. The software must offer
detailed information about the nature of the failure and suggest possible
remedy.
- Communication between the spectrometer and controlling PC must be
performed using an Ethernet protocol.
(d) Software
- Appropriate software to control the system and manipulate the data and
images, with free (or discounted) upgrade for the next version of this software
if released within 2 years of completion of purchase.
- Spectrometer software should allow the standard data manipulation and
evaluation functions for both 2D and 3D data.
- The software should include multivariate data evaluation tools like principal
component analysis (PCA) and 3D cluster analysis.
- The tender cost should include any additional software that is required to
perform the data manipulations above where this is not included in the
‘standard’ software package.
- Ability to introduce digital visible light microscope images and to correlate
these with the FTIR images would be desirable.
2.03 Two 19″ flat-screen LCD computer monitors should be provided to allow
effective data manipulation (extended desktop).
2.04 The instrument must satisfy the Gallery’s internal PAT-testing regime for
safety.
2.05 Variations to the specification, especially any enhancements, are to be
described in the Schedule of Responses. Ex-demonstration models will also
be considered if available, provided that they conform in every respect to the
specifications and terms and conditions described in this Invitation to Tender.
3.0 Delivery, Installation & Training:
Please provide a delivery time for the instrument from the time that the official order
is received
3.01 Delivery and installation shall be to ‘roof level’ laboratory accommodation in
the Scientific Department of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square; a
passenger lift is available. This will be during normal working hours at a time
agreed. The Supplier is required to inspect the location beforehand to assess
the delivery logistics and suitability of the installation site, to ensure that any
environmental and logistical difficulties can be overcome and are taken into
account before pricing and delivery. The installation is to include all ancillary
equipment which is necessary for complete operation of all components and
sub-components to the specification.
3.02 All equipment supplied must be adequately protected against damage and
deterioration in transit and delivered, carriage paid. Any information related to
the handling and storage of Equipment upon receipt must be clearly marked on
the packaging and accompanying paperwork. The Equipment shall be at the
Contractor’s risk until delivered to the National Gallery at the point specified in
the Official Order unless the National Gallery agrees otherwise in writing.
“Delivered” shall mean off loaded and set in the Place of Use place designated
by the National Gallery, but shall not be deemed to be acceptance of the
Equipment by the National Gallery. Unless otherwise provided in this
Agreement the Contractor shall be considered responsible for the collection and
disposal of all returnable packaging at no cost to the National Gallery.
3.03 The supplier should as soon as practicable after the date of receipt of the
official order provide the National Gallery with adequate information to
enable them to prepare the Premises and/or Place of Use for installation of the
FTIR imaging equipment in accordance with all local, national and
international regulations.
3.03 The Supplier is required to commission the equipment following installation
and ensure that it meets all specifications quoted.
.
3.04 Detailed training (either on-site or at the supplier’s premises) is to be given to
the four main operators. This will enable these expert users to operate the
instrument and all its sub-components, carry out routine maintenance, and
train non-expert users in use of the instrument and all its sub-components.
3.05 A detailed operational manual in hard copy and/or electronic format is to be
provided.
4.00 Warranty and Maintenance:
4.01 The Supplier is required to support the machine during its warranty period
following installation. This means that all replacement parts, breakdowns,
malfunctions, etc on the FTIR imaging equipment and all accessories shall be
remedied at the Supplier’s expense. A helpline facility shall also be available during
this period.
4.02 The Supplier should be able to provide (or arrange) future maintenance and
support of the FTIR imaging equipment and accessories (including an annual service)
for at least ten years following installation.
4.03 The tender should include, itemised separately, the cost of a comprehensive
three year maintenance contract on the FTIR imaging equipment and all accessories
(if purchases as part of the package, and to commence on expiry of the warranty),
including replacement parts and labour. Full details of the warranty with any limits,
exclusions, guarantees of maximum down-time etc should be provided.
4.04 A list of any consumables that will be needed after the warranty period should
be provided together with their costs and likely lifetimes.
5.00 Terms and conditions:
5.01 The Gallery proposes that its (a) Standard Terms and Conditions, and (b)
Supplementary Terms and Conditions are used for this contract. Suppliers proposing
any variations should do so in the Schedule of Responses. The Gallery is willing to
accept the Supplier’s terms and conditions provided that the above terms and
conditions are incorporated.
September 2010