DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer overview

The Thermo Scientific DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer is a highly automated, push-button operated, benchtop macro-sampling Raman system that brings the power of Raman technology to the routine analysis laboratory. The DXR3 SmartRaman spectrometer is designed for busy multi-purpose analytical labs looking for reproducible and accurate results from a dependable, low maintenance instrument. Researchers and quality control specialists alike can take advantage of the ease of sample preparation offered by Raman spectroscopy.


DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer capabilities

The DXR3 SmartRaman benchtop Raman spectrometer samples directly through glass bottles, jars, and vials—clear or colored, and can also measure samples directly through plastic bags. It provides an expandable measurement spot size, up to 5 × 5 mm, for representative sampling of heterogeneous materials.

 

Sample accessories are available to support automated measurements of well-plates, tablet arrays, tubes, and vials—making it easy to automate measurements of large numbers of samples.

 

DXR3 SmartRaman accommodates specialized cells for high and low temperature measurements and electrochemical measurements. Remote sampling can be accomplished for samples too large to fit in the sample compartment, with optional fiber-optic probes. In addition, extensive software tools automate analyses, helping users to go beyond data and get the faster answers they need.


DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer performance

The DXR3 provides a full spectral range of 3500 to 50 cm-1 captured with a single exposure of the CCD to avoid stitching artifacts. It offers a user-adjustable measurement area from 10 μm to 5 mm using Variable Dynamic Point Sampling (VDPS).

 

The DXR3 Smart Raman offers four excitation wavelengths: 455 nm, 532 nm, 633 nm, and 785 nm—which can be obtained in less than a minute to optimize your experiment. Automatic fluorescence correction is available with all excitation lasers, while automatic intensity correction generates spectra that are comparable between instruments and different excitation lasers.

 

Multi-dimensional wavelength calibration provides accurate wavelength calibration across the entire spectral range. In addition, a patented triplet spectrograph offers exceptional peak shape and maintains focus at all wavelengths, while a patented algorithm for automated cosmic ray rejection and high-quality laser line filters ensures artifact-free spectra.

Other performance features include:

  • Lasers depolarized to avoid confusing sample orientation effects
  • Laser Power Regulator that provides active monitoring of laser power and ensures reproducible laser excitation power over the lifetime of lasers and even after replacing lasers
  • Optimized gratings for each excitation laser to avoid performance sacrifices of systems that share gratings for multiple excitation lasers
  • Patented auto alignment that ensures system can be maintained in like-new condition
  • Patented Smart-backgrounds that  automatically remove CCD dark energy profile

Software and databases

Our software and databases include an extensive collection of available spectral libraries (>16,000 compounds) and library search algorithms optimized for Raman data. Our powerful Specta searching software provides the ability to identify multiple components of a material with a single action, while a powerful macro building tool allows quick capture of repetitive actions into single buttons.

 

Thermo Scientific Omnic Array Software provides for automated data collection and analysis of array-based sample formats such as well-plates and tablet arrays. In addition, audit trails attached to spectra automatically record all collection parameters and processing actions.


Ease of use

Patent-pending Autoexposure takes the guesswork out of optimizing exposure time and number of exposures. Autofocusing accessories make it possible to move effortlessly from one sample type to another, while a configurable GO button on the instrument provides for walk-up operation. All data collection, processing, and reporting steps can be stored so that a user can drop a sample in, push a button, and have a report print out with no interaction with the computer.

 

Alignment and calibration procedures are completely automated in the software. The user only has to mount the alignment/calibration pod on the instrument, and the software takes everything from there. The user does not have to make any decisions to guide the process.

 

Smart accessories and components are automatically recognized by the system, and parameters and alignment are automatically optimized when components are changed.


Reliability and maintenance

The system requires only a routine automatic alignment, which is completely software controlled. The calibration procedure is automated and the software makes all decisions. In addition, laser usage is automatically tracked on each laser.


Modularity

The modular design of the DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer offers purchasing flexibility. Buy only to meet current needs with the option to expand later without service calls or penalties.

 

User-replaceable lasers use SmartLock technology for reproducible results. Simply plug the laser in and run the standard auto alignment and automatic calibration routines.

 

Lasers, gratings, filters, and accessories can be easily shared between more than one instrument. The instrument recognizes the serial number of each component and stores alignment and calibration parameters for each unique Smart component. These are automatically utilized whenever the components are installed.


DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer laser safety

The DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer is independently certified as class-1 laser safe. (Note: Optional fiber-optic accessory and some other optional accessories are class IIIb laser devices requiring laser safety precautions and laser safety eyewear.)


DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer validation

A complete package for DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ validation is available including extensive documentation and automated software protocols. In addition, Omnic D/S software offers 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.


DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer sampling accessories

Smart Accessories for all your needs

 

Quickly adapt to different sample formats with accessories that are designed for the full range of sample types. With the additional versatility from user installable excitation frequencies, you’re assured optimal results, whatever the sample.

 

The DXR3 SmartRaman sampling accessories use pinned-in-place technology to attach to the DXR3 SmartRaman base, where they are automatically recognized by the Thermo Scientific Omnic Spectra Software using Smart technology. The identity and serial number of the accessory are recorded with the results for complete traceability.

The Universal Platform Sampling accessory accepts up to four pinned-in-place, Smart toolheads, each designed to accommodate a particular sample format.

Bottle Holder for analyzing the contents of standard bottles.

With its iris format, the Tablet Holder accepts tablets in a range of sizes.

The Array Autosampler automates analysis of multi-well plates and other samples in array formats.

The Universal Plate for samples such as plastic bags and glass vials.

The Universal Platform Sampling accessory employs Variable Dynamic Point Sampling (VDPS) technology

The Universal Platform Sampling accessory employs Variable Dynamic Point Sampling (VDPS) technology to average the Raman signal from a heterogeneous sample without loss of Raman intensity. This unique technology overcomes the challenge of collecting representative spectra from heterogeneous samples, such as mixed powders or pharmaceutical tablets, without sacrificing Raman signal. The effective spot size is user-selectable and under software control.

Carousel Autosampler accessory

The Carousel Autosampler accessory automates data collection from standard sample tubes. The removable carousels come in two sizes and accept standard 5 mm and 13 mm tubes. The accessory rotates the tubes during data collection to avoid sampling artifacts from heterogeneous samples.

Remote Sampling

For remote sampling, the DXR3 SmartRaman accepts fiber optic probes.

180 Degree Sampling accessory

For labs that handle samples in a variety of formats, the 180 Degree sampling accessory is the best option. Designed as a simple device to accommodate vials, tubes, powders and other samples, the 180 Degree accessory allows the use of specialty cells, including cryogenic, high-temperature, electrochemical and controlled-humidity chambers. The 180 Degree sampling accessory is particularly useful in environments that value diverse sample formats over highly automated data collection.


Gemology

Gemology–Rapid ID of colored stones, distinguishing natural and synthetic diamonds

Forensics

Forensics—Illicit drug identification. Automate measurement of many samples, support infrared ID for backup in court

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical—distinguish polymorphs and salt forms, characterize tablets

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology—Characterize bulk nanotubes and QC of nanotubes

Additionally, the DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer is useful in material science, biological studies, and many applied research fields in academic research. 

DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer resources