Analysis apparatus and method

A method of performing dissolution analysis on a tablet, the method comprising:

• irradiating a tablet with radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• detecting radiation which has been reflected by the tablet;
• determining a parameter from the detected radiation indicative of maximum signal strength reflected by the tablet;
• and
• determining information about the dissolution characteristics of the tablet from said parameter.

A method of determining if a tablet is of sufficient quality, said method comprising:

• irradiating a tablet with pulsed radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the tablet;
• determining a parameter from the detected radiation indicative of the density of a coating layer of the tablet;
• and
• determining if said tablet is of sufficient quality by comparing the density of the tablet with a pre-determined reference value and rejecting said tablet the density of the coating layer is lower than said reference value.

An apparatus for performing dissolution analysis on a tablet, comprising:

• a source for irradiating a tablet with radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• a detector for detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the tablet;
• means for determining a parameter from the detected radiation indicative of the density of a coating layer of the tablet;
• and
• means for determining information about the dissolution characteristics of the tablet from said parameter.

A method for studying delamination and capping in a tablet, the method comprising:

• irradiating a tablet with pulsed radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the tablet;
• identifying detected radiation in terms of penetration depth of radiation within said tablet;
• plotting a quantity at least related to the amplitude of the detected radiation for a plurality of points in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of radiation incident on said tablet to obtain an image;
• and
• analysing said image to determine the presence of cracks or dislocations within the tablet.

An apparatus configured to study delamination and capping in a tablet, the apparatus comprising:

• a source for irradiating a tablet with pulsed radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• a detector for detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the tablet;
• means for identifying detected radiation in terms of penetration depth of radiation within said tablet;
• means for plotting a quantity at least related to the amplitude of the detected radiation for a plurality of points in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of radiation incident on said tablet to obtain an image;
• and
• means for analysing said image to determine the presence of cracks or dislocations within the tablet.

A method of manufacturing a tablet, the method comprising:

• pressing at least two powders together to form a tablet with a buried interface;
• irradiating a tablet with pulsed radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the tablet;
• identifying detected radiation from said buried interface;
• plotting a quantity at least related to the amplitude of the detected radiation for a plurality of points in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of radiation incident on said tablet to obtain an image;
• and
• analysing said image to determine if variations in the amplitude of the detected radiation indicate if the buried interface is cracked or subject to delamination;
• and
• rejecting said tablet is said buried interface is cracked or subject to delamination.

An apparatus for manufacturing a tablet, the apparatus comprising:

• a press for pressing at least two powders together to form a tablet with a buried interface;
• a source for irradiating a tablet with pulsed radiation having at least one frequency in the range from 40 GHz to 100 THz;
• a detector for detecting radiation which has been transmitted through or reflected by the tablet;
• means for identifying detected radiation from said buried interface;
• means for plotting a quantity at least related to the amplitude of the detected radiation for a plurality of points in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of radiation incident on said tablet to obtain an image;
• and
• means for analysing said image to determine if variations in the amplitude of the detected radiation indicate if the buried interface is cracked or subject to delamination;
• and rejecting said tablet is said buried interface is cracked or subject to delamination.