March 14, 2006, Orlando, FL Polychromix (Wilmington, MA), a developer of material analysis, chemical sensing, and spectroscopy solutions, announced the launch of the Phazir product at PittCon (booth #5554). Phazir is the first handheld Near-Infrared (NIR) Digital Transform Spectrometer (DTS), allowing customers to perform chemical analysis in the field at a very low cost.

The Phazir combines a Digital Transform Spectrometer engine, it's MobiLight lightsource, reflectance probe, rechargeable batteries, integrated computer and LCD display and software into one unit that can be used remotely, such as in field applications. The DTS product family, first introduced to market a year ago, is powered by Polychromix's proven, state-of-the-art telecommunication MEMS technology.

Polychromix spectrometers use a MEMS spatial light modulator in a portable form factor, featuring a single InGaAs detector and no moving parts. In addition, devices feature low power consumption, utilizing a standard USB connection for both communications and power interfaces.

"With the introduction of the Phazir, we are revolutionizing traditional methods of NIR chemical analysis. No longer will scientists and technicians be forced to endure the time-consuming and cumbersome process of taking in-field sample measurements, transporting them to a laboratory and then waiting for analysis results," said Mouli Ramani, vice president of marketing and business development at Polychromix. "This product will change the manner in which NIR spectroscopy is used in industry today. It will revolutionize methods and processes that vary from incoming inspections to end-customer purity analysis, offering an affordable, easy-to-use product."