LabRam
Some examples include semiconductor devices/ electronics, chemicals/ petrochemicals, biomedical products, environmental samples, polymers, etc...
The basic system is configured with a true confocal microprobe for maximum spatial resolution. The standard configuration includes a macro lens which provides ultimate spectral results in cases of transparent solid and liquid samples. The SMA connector for the interchangable fiber optical entrance makes the use of the SUPER HEAD fiber probes easy and convenient.
Two interchangable gratings provide both high resolution spectra and a fast overview function for wider wavelength ranges in one system. The appropriate Holographic Notch Filter is incorporated into the system to enable acquisition of Raman spectra with conditions optimized for sensativity and low frequency performance.
The LabRam is routinely delivered with a HeNe laser. For applications which require other excitation wavelengths, an additional laser can be coupled easily to the entrance optics. For the fastest and easiest conversion from one laser to another, a specially designed pre-aligned plug-in modual is provided which houses the appropriate filter and mirror for each laser choice. To confirm the correct alignment of the laser, we have incorperated a very special feature. A low power laser diode is mounted inside the spectrograph to back-illuminate the entrance slit and an alignment confirmation can be initiated by computer keystroke.
The most convenient feature of our new LabRam Fast Analytical Raman system is that when you receive your instrument, you will be able to open the crate, plug it in and run!
Spectrograph
The complete stigmatic spectrograph, achromatic over a broad range (450 nm - 1.05 microns), is equipped with two interchangable gratings for variable spectral resolution. The 1800 g/mm grating provides a spectral resolution of ~2.5 cm-1 in 3 pixels using the standard HeNe laser. The second grating is chosen for a wide Raman spectroscopic overview in on scan or for recording laser fluorescence spectra over a broad wavelength range. Each grating is rotated using the motorized, computer controlled sine drive. Since the sine drive can be positioned to zero order, this position is used as a fixed calibration standard.
Air-Cooled CCD
The LabRam system is equipped with a rugged, compact, air-cooled CCD made by ISA. With unmatched sensitivity and ease-of-use, this detector is perfect for even the most demanding applications. This CCD detector represents state-of-the-art technology in multi-channel, two dimentional detectors. It exhibits exceptionally low dark current as well as high sensativity and high dynamic range.
Raman Macro Sampling
Macro Sampling of liquids and solids can be performed on a microprobe using a horizontal beam adapter. The sample, solid or liquid in a vial, is placed in the xyz plane of the microscope stage and can be easily adjusted. This macro sampling device mounts on the turret of the microscope via a standard microscope objective thread. This method of sampling is especially important when studing transparent homogenous multi-component samples and can be of particular importance when components are present at concentrations as low as 10 ppm.
Fiber Optic Entrance
The LabRam is an instrument designed for laboratory applications, for analytical measurements and the development of on-line applications. The LabRam was desgined to accommodate an easily interchangable fiber optic probe. In addition, the optical and mechanical configuration of the InduRam (the remote spectrometer system designed for process control) is exactly the same as that of the LabRam. Therefore, all methods developed using the fiber coupled LabRam are completely and easily transferable to the InduRam.
Imaging Options: LabRam I - Line Scan Imaging
The LabRam I is available in several configurations using point illumination. The basic system is supplied with optics for a 1 micron laser spot and a confocal pinhole before the entrance slit. Confocality provides rejection of fluorescence and Raman signal from out-of-focus planes. Optional entrance optics, including a continously and electrically adjustable hole, allows one to scan quickly a row of laser spots (a line) on the sample and the Raman spectra along this "x" dimension are simultaneously recorded on a CCD detector. Using a motorized sample stage, moving perpendicular to the line, the "y" dimension of the investigated area is analyzed. This technique can save precious minutes of time as compared to a point-by-point imaging method.
Imaging Options: LabRam II - Global Imaging
LabRam II provides global Raman images in addition to the basic microprobe system. A specially designed module mounted to the entrance optic of the LabRam provides unsurpassed homogenous illumination of the sample for accurate and reproducible quantitive image analysis. When switching the spectrograph from the spectral point mode to the global imaging mode, high efficiency gratings work as bandpass filters for filtering the collected light. This technique insures that the spectral band pass is very close to the ideal resulting in highly efficient rejection of the sidebands. Switching from the point mode to the global imaging mode is made with a simple manual configuration change and the system is ready in seconds.
Additional LabRam features:
- A completely rigid system bolted to a single chassis. This includes lasers and microscope.
- Confocal microscope. A continuously adjustable confocal aperture is located in the object plane of the microscope (Olympus BX40), extending the well known potential of confocal microscopy to Raman micro probing and significantly improving the Raman microprobe's spatial and axial resolution.
- Dual laser entrance. Two lasers can be simultaneously mounted on the Labram system. This allows for an easy switch of laser excitation wavelength.
- Line Scan Imaging . This patented feature allows one to take full advantage of a two dimensional CCD detection system. A computer-controlled optical scanner deflects the focused laser beam as a line on the sample plane. This line is subsequently projected onto the entrance slit of the spectrometer and then imaged on the CCD. This feature provides simultaneous acquisition of Raman signals from the each point of the sample illuminated by the laser scanned line. (Note that, because of its compact size, the LabRam uses only one optical scanner.)
- Wide array of Micro/Macro accessories
- Software controlled Optical Density filter wheel. This enables one to adjust the laser power as needed.
- High efficiency fiber optic probe. The LabRam is equipped with an additional entrance for optical fibers. This provides for On Line measurements via any of our high efficiency remote probes.
- Spectroscopy WindowsTM based software. The Spectroscopy/Imaging software is designed and written by spectroscopists... putting both power and ease-of-use at your finger tips.
- Optional microscope enclosure provides the highest level of protection from laser exposure. See the enclosure opened and closed.
ISA's LabRam is the ultimate tool for Fast Analytical Raman.
HORIBA Jobin Yvon, 3880 Park Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820. Tel: 732-494-8660; Fax: 732-549-5125.