RM5 Raman Microscope

Truly Confocal – with variable slit and multiple position adjustable pinhole for higher image definition, better fluorescence rejection and application optimisation
Integrated Narrowband Raman Lasers – up to 3 computer controlled lasers for ease of use, enhanced stability and reduced footprint
5-Position Grating Turret – for unrivalled spectral resolution of <0.3 cm^-1 and optimisation over the full spectral range
<50 cm^-1 – 15,000 cm^-1
Integrated Detectors – up to 2, including high efficiency CCD, EMCCD and InGaAs arrays for low noise, increased speed, high sensitivity and wide spectral range

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Product Description

The RM5 is a compact and fully automated Raman microscope for analytical and research purposes. The truly confocal design of the RM5 is unique to the market and offers uncompromised spectral resolution, spatial resolution, and sensitivity.

Our Raman microscope builds on the expertise of robust and proven building blocks, combined with modern optical design considerations; and a focus on function, precision and speed. The result is a modern Raman microscope that stands alone in both specifications and ease of use.

Internal Standards and Auto-Calibration – to ensure the highest quality data at all times
4-Position Raman Filter Turret – fully automated notch and edge filters to match the Raman range to excitation laser wavelength
Ramacle^® Software – one powerful software package for complete system control, data acquisition, analysis and ease of upgrade
High Performance Microscope – compatible with all the latest accessories

For pricing and further information of the RM5 Raman Microscope, simply contact a member of our sales team at sales@edinst.com.

Technical Specifications

LASER SPECIFICATION
Lasers	Up to 3 narrow-band lasers including: 532 nm, 638 nm, 785 nm Other wavelengths available on request Laser selection is fully computer-controlled
Laser Rejection Filters	Up to 3 laser rejection filters included Filter exchange is fully computer-controlled
Laser Attenuation	4 orders of magnitude, continuous Fully computer-controlled

SPECTROGRAPH
Spectral Resolution		From <0.3 cm^-1
Spectral Range		<50 cm^-1 – 15,000 cm^-1*
Spectrograph	Type Focal Length Gratings Slits	Asymmetric Czerny-Turner 225 mm 5-position grating turret, fully computer-controlled Continuously adjustable, fully computer-controlled
Confocal Imaging		Adjustable confocal pinhole, fully computer-controlled

DETECTORS
Detectors	Standard Detector	High sensitivity ultra low noise CCD 1650 x 200 pixels, TE-cooled -60°C (standard) OR 2000 x 256 pixels, TE-cooled -60°C (enhanced sensitivity and spectral range)
	Optional Second Detector	EMCCD detector, InGaAs and others available on request Selection of detectors, fully computer-controlled

SYSTEM
Raman Polarisation	Optional	Polarisation kit available, fully computer-controlled
Internal Calibration		Wavelength calibration standard (Neon) Raman shift standard (Silicon) Sensitivity validation standard (Silicon) Automated laser alignment
Microscope System	Functionality	Full upright microscope with brightfield and darkfield illuminator Polarisation, Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) capability and fluorescence imaging 10x and 100x objective included as standard; up to 5 can be included
	Optional Objective(s)	Trinocular eyepiece, embedded CMOS video camera, second video camera optional
	Sample Viewing	XY manual stage
	Sample Stage	XYZ motorised stage (75 mm x 50 mm XY), confocal Raman mapping
	Optional	Temperature-controlled sample stages available
Software	Ramacle®	Comprehensive all-in-one, intuitive software package
	Operating System	Windows®
	Functionality	Data acquisition, spectrograph control, graphical display, data processing
	Optional	Chemometric, spectral library packages – KnowItAllTM
Laser Safety	Without Laser Enclosure With Laser Enclosure	Class 3B Class 1
Dimensions	W x D x H † Weight †	600 mm x 800 mm x 600 mm † 63 kg * depending on grating, laser and CCD selection † without laser enclosure

Software

RAMACLE^® SOFTWARE

Ramacle is an exceptional software package written for complete instrument control and data handling on the RM5 system. Ramacle controls all RM5 functions with a straightforward design concept. It focuses on all modern Raman spectroscopy applications, while at the same time, providing a user-friendly interface with ‘ready to publish’ outputs.

Screenshot of Ramacle software

The software provides control, visualisation, data acquisition, analysis and presentation of the RM5 whether it is used for generating Raman spectra or with advanced upgrades such as Raman mapping. Ramacle easily navigates the user from microscope set up to measurement set up and offers computer-controlled measurement conditions such as laser excitation, grating, pinhole size etc.

Ramacle enables sample visualisation, live signal monitoring and parameter optimisation before every measurement. The instrument status and signal are displayed and constantly updated during measurements.

Example of signal and instrument status during measurement

Data generated by Ramacle have a proprietary file format. This contains all measurement and instrumental properties, allowing the user to retrieve important information whenever needed and ensures data traceability. Simple input and output functions provide the required compatibility with third party data analysis or presentation packages.

KnowItAllTM Raman Identification Pro spectral library is available for material identification and advanced analysis. Data acquisition methods such as single measurements, multiple and accumulated scans, kinetic scans and generation of maps (accessory dependent) are implemented by intuitive and in user-friendly wizards.

Raman Mapping

Mapping the Raman spectra within a sample area provides previously unavailable information about the chemical and physical differences across a sample. This can confirm the identity and presence of specific components and reveals their location and distribution within the sample. The figure demonstrates an XY Raman map of a gemstone containing two constituents. The Raman map is false coloured based on Raman bands specific to each constituent.

XY Raman map output of a gemstone containing two constituents using Ramacle software.

Using Ramacle the user can use our fast-mapping technique. This uses the camera and motorised stage to the fullest, greatly reducing acquisition times. The figure below shows Raman map revealing trace amounts of paracetamol (shown in red) left behind in a fingerprint on aluminium foil. Using standard mapping this map would have taken over 20 hours, using fast mapping this acquisition took under 30 minutes, without losing any spectral or spatial quality.

Raman map of traces of paracetamol residue left on aluminium foil.

Mapping in Ramacle also allows measurements in the Z axis, thanks to the computer-controlled pinhole. 3D mapping enables the user to gain a depth profile of their sample and is extremely useful for analysing layers samples for quality control and layer thickness conformation. Below is a 3D Raman map of a transdermal patch is shown, the different layers can clearly be differentiated.

3D Raman map of a transdermal patch is shown.

Commonly, samples are not perfectly flat, and this can cause focus issues when Raman mapping. Using the surface mapping feature in Ramacle the user can create an in-focus white light image with set Z-positions. These Z-positions will then be used for the Raman map creating a completely in focus 2D Raman map. The image below shows the difference between a sample with and without surface mapping.

Image showing the difference between a sample with and without surface mapping.

Ramacle Key Features

Selection of laser and scatter optical pathways
Selection of excitation wavelength, gratings and exposure time
Sample and laser focus visualisation
Programmed attenuator and shutter
Single, accumulated and kinetic spectral acquisitions
Spectral correction
Selection and scans of internal calibration standards and automated calibration correction
Data operations such as arithmetic, scaling, normalisation and baseline subtraction
Cosmic ray removal, cropping, smoothing
Automated laser alignment
ASCII / CSV data import / export function
Paste options for presentations and publications

Features included with upgrade:

Mapping features – map setup, fast mapping, surface mapping, 3D mapping, collection and data analysis
Fully motorised stage – XYZ control through joystick and software
Polariser and analyser selection and control
Detectors selection
Laser rejection filter selection
External camera selection and visualisation
Autofocus

Upgrades

Lasers

Gratings

Detectors

Accessories and Laser Safety

Microscope

The RM5 uses one of the most modern microscopes on the market for first class Raman microscopy. You can use the microscope beyond pure Raman microscopy; the RM5 has been designed to maintain the full capability of the microscope allowing all the necessary tools to be added for exceptional visualisation and contrast of your samples.

Brightfield, darkfield, polarised light, differential interference contrast (DIC) and fluorescence are all available. Alongside a choice of high quality microscope objectives, a high performance camera can be added to the microscope to ensure pictures of your samples (and associated Raman maps) are captured with excellent quality and resolution.