WITec launches automated Raman Imaging system

The firm said apyron is the only Raman Imaging system to provide such accuracy ensuring optimal laser power for preservation of delicate samples and reproducibility in measurement conditions.

The UHTS 600, a 600mm focal length spectrometer, delivers a spectral resolution down to 0.1 cm^-1​ and allows the generation of Raman images at a lateral resolution only limited by the optical diffraction limit.

Raman Imaging in food​

Raman Imaging is an ideal characterization technique for food samples from various areas as it can monitor the distribution of the compounds, said Harald Fischer, WITec marketing director.  

“Determining homogeneity, particle distribution or layering in coatings are established areas of application,” ​he told FoodQualityNews.

“Time series allows for the analysis of degradation processes or product forming procedures. Whenever safety and quality research requires such studies Raman imaging can be applied for off-line assessments.”​

Fischer said the fact it is non-destructive and does not require sample preparation makes it appeal to food industry researchers.

“Another important point is that, in contrast to the commonly used FTIR Microscopy, the presence of water does not have any influence on the measurement and the spatial resolution is much better.”​

Apyron is a fully automated Raman microscope system including laser wavelength selection with subsequent adjustment of all associated spectrometer and microscope components.

The absolute laser power determination and regulation in 0.1 milliwatt steps preserves delicate samples and guarantees reproducibility of measurement conditions, said the firm.

Combining ease of use and high performance​

WITec said it sees a trend towards ease-of-use while maintaining high performance measurement capabilities, which is mainly stimulated by customer requirements.

With an easy to use system, the firm said it has the opportunity to approach additional markets such as the industrial environment, where measurement speed is an issue for a quick sample turnover.

The software controlled system platform allows the user to adjust the measurement settings and operation procedures on the computer screen to ensure system reliability and reproducibility.

TruePower is an automated absolute Laser power determination in Mw. The absolute laser power is measured and can be adjusted with accuracy of <0.1 mW.

Raman Imaging can be combined with other microscopy technologies such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Profilometry (TrueSurface) or Scanning Electron Microscopy (RISE).

Combinations with AFM and Profilometry deliver topographic information along with chemical information which is of interest to surface inspection in the nano- and millimetre range.

RISE microscopy is a relatively new technique that allow linkage of Raman images with ultra-structural SEM images of the same sample areas.    

“WITec’s tried and tested modularity makes the apyron exceptionally versatile: Raman newcomers, industry labs with measurement routines and time-critical analyses, as well as scientists with challenging experiments can explore Raman imaging beyond the established frontiers of their fields,”​ said Dr Olaf Hollricher, managing director, R&D at WITec.