Discrete frequency infrared (DFIR) chemical imaging is transforming the practice of microspectroscopy by enabling a diversity of instrumentation and new measurement capabilities. While a variety of hardware implementations have been realized, considerations in the design of all-IR microscopes have not yet been compiled. Here we describe the evolution of IR microscopes, provide rationales for design choices, and the major considerations for each optical component that together comprise an imaging system. We analyze design choices in illustrative examples that use these components to optimize performance, under their particular constraints. We then summarize a framework to assess the factors that determine an instrument’s performance mathematically. Finally, we summarize the design and analysis approach by enumerating performance figures of merit for spectroscopic imaging data that can be used to evaluate the capabilities of imaging systems or suitability for specific intended applications. Together, the presented concepts and examples should aid in understanding available instrument configurations, while guiding innovations in design of the next generation of IR chemical imaging spectrometers.

离散频率红外 (DFIR) 化学成像通过启用多样化的仪器和新的测量功能正在改变显微光谱学的实践。虽然已经实现了各种硬件实现，但尚未汇总全红外显微镜设计中的注意事项。在这里，我们描述了红外显微镜的演变，提供了设计选择的基本原理，以及共同构成成像系统的每个光学组件的主要考虑因素。我们在说明性示例中分析了设计选择，这些示例在特定约束下使用这些组件来优化性能。然后，我们总结了一个框架来评估在数学上决定仪器性能的因素。最后，我们通过列举光谱成像数据的性能指标来总结设计和分析方法，这些数据可用于评估成像系统的能力或特定预期应用的适用性。总之，提出的概念和例子应该有助于理解可用的仪器配置，同时指导下一代红外化学成像光谱仪的设计创新。