Overview

Fully Integrated High Resolution Confocal Raman Microscope, optimized for VIS-2200 nm. The setup includes a confocal Raman microscope, transfer optics, stigmatic spectrometer equipped with three gratings (600 gr/mm, 1800 gr/mm, and 2400 gr/mm), multichannel CCD detector, 3 objectives (5x, 10x, and 100x VIS), and computer package with high performance LabSpec 6 spectroscopy software suite. Key features include:

• Czerney-Turner spectrograph based on all reflective optics ensures the system is free of achromatic aberrations (seen with lens-based spectrographs), therefore allowing the coverage of a very wide spectral range.

• Computer-controlled laser power selection from 9 different positions (100%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 1%, 0.1% and 0.01%), working from 400 nm to 2200 nm.

• Patented adjustable kinematic mount for Rayleigh rejection filter (notch or edge). This device allows automated fine tuning of the filter operating angle to optimize low frequency cut-off performance.

• Motorized exchange of excitation wavelengths (currently equipped with one laser),

• Software-controlled continuously adjustable confocal pinhole,

• 800 mm focal length astigmatic flat field spectrograph based on concave mirrors providing the highest spectral resolution on the market,

• Upgraded air cooled open electrode 1024x256 pixels CCD -70°C. Working from 200 up to 1100 nm, suitable for measurements in the UV, VIS and NIR.

Microscope

The Olympus BXFM is an open space microscope offering a large free space under the objective turret. Thus, it can be used with large sample holders like cryostats, high temperature cells, high pressure cells, or just large samples. For optimal stability, the sample stage is hard coupled to the LabRAM Odyssey, while focusing is achieved by adjusting the height of the microscope objectives instead of the sample stage. This microscope offers all the functions of a standard microscope.

Illumination by transmission, made with:

• Powerful LED fibered source (equal to 150W halogen)

• Koehler illumination system with Abbe condensor (BrightField)

Objectives:

• 5X visible objective, NA = 0.10, WD = 19.6 mm

• 10X visible objective, NA = 0.25, WD = 10.6 mm

• 100X visible objective, NA = 0.90, WD = 0.21 mm

(A suite of other objectives is also available in the GEMS lab that are interchangeable among the various BX microscopes.)

Laser capabilities

532 nm laser kit including air cooled frequency doubled Nd:Yag laser, narrow bandwidth (532 nm / 100 mW / 1 MHz), edge and nandpass filters set at 532 nm for Raman measurements from 50 cm-1 and PL measurements up to CCD limit, motorized optics for commuting fully controlled by LabSpec 6 software, external back platform (for 1 laser) supplied with necessary coupling optics to spectrograph.

Gratings

• 600 gr/mm holographic grating blazed at 500 nm (spectral range 360-1250nm) with pre-aligned holder, calibration and tests

• 1800 gr/mm holographic grating blazed at 500 nm (spectral range 325-900nm) with pre-aligned holder, calibration and tests

• 2400 gr/mm holographic grating blazed at 400 nm (spectral range 250-800nm) with pre-aligned holder, calibration and tests

Calibration

The system comes with internal sample reference for intensity and spectral correction. Includes 2 holders for the 80/20 beamsplitter and the neutral window, and one 10 x 10 mm cuvette for liquid sample. The Neon lamp can be used also as a sample for spectral reference; the intensity of the neon lines can be adjusted. Delivered with 2 sets of optics: one for UV (250-450 nm), one for visible (400-700 nm).

Sample positioning

Full kit for sample positioning includes motorized XY stage (X = 75 mm, Y = 50 mm) and motorized Z device for the BXFM microscope controlled by LabSpec software.

XY specifications: repeatability <= 1 µm; accuracy +/-1 µm; resolution (minimum step size) = 50 nm (10 nm with encoder disabled). Z specifications: resolution (minimum step size) = 0.01 µm. Includes positioning joystick, external controller, software package and Raman autofocus capability.

Raman mapping (imaging)

The system includes the innovative SWIFT™ Ultra-Fast Raman imaging package. SWIFT retains the true confocal performance of the HORIBA Scientific Raman systems, thus ensuring optimized spatial resolution for analysis of small particles and thin layers. The various SWIFT modes can be used individually or in combination.

SWIFT™ Ultra-Fast Raman imaging package includes software and electronics upgrade. The three modes that are included by default with the motorized XYZ stage are:

• SWIFT Standard - increases the scanning speed to <5 ms per point through detector-stage synchronization.

• SWIFT Repetitive (N) - continuously improves the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) over time.

• SWIFT XR: eXtended Range - enables fast large-spectral-range acquisitions using multiple spectral windows; particularly beneficial for when high spectral resolution is required.

 The system also includes LS6-VRM (Video Raman Matching) with patented nanoGPS technology to attain perfect spatial calibration for high precision Raman imaging. The purchase includes sample holder and software, but tags need to be purchased separately.