Raman Microscopy | Raman Microscopy Instrumentation

DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope overview

The Thermo Scientific DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope now reveals research grade imaging faster than ever. With enhanced software features and higher spatial resolution, the user can gain visual information instantly. Advanced imaging capabilities coupled with minimal sample prep and intuitive software give users the power of Raman at speeds researchers need.

DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope features

The DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope provides simple operation that accommodates users of all skill levels. The instrument achieves faster data visualization with enhanced software, making it possible to use advanced particle analysis to quickly identify and analyze tiny contaminants in your sample. 3D confocal imaging provides non-destructive, non-invasive 3D investigation imaging for chemical and molecular compounds, while Terrain Mapping characterizes uneven sample surfaces and collects in-focus Raman images with ease.

Users can take advantage of an intuitive workflow to maximize sample throughput for demanding applications. They can use auto calibration to maximize efficiency. And they can achieve accurate measurements with auto alignment and calibration (no tools required) and automatic background compensation.

Other features include:

Adaptable configuration by any user within seconds; users can change the pre-aligned laser, filter, and gratings without any tools
Speedy data analysis and spectral interpretation with powerful Thermo Scientific OMNIC xi Software
Sophisticated autofocus and morphological analysis to track your location across uneven surfaces
Visualization tools for extracting chemical contrast to identify and rank features of interest

Laser safety on the DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope

The DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope is designed and independently certified as class-1 laser safe. Optional fiber optic accessory and some other optional accessories are class 3b laser devices requiring laser safety precautions and laser safety eyewear. The laser is physically blocked from visual viewing path to prevent exposure to the eyes while viewing.

Raman microscopy applications

Nanotechnology

Carbon nanotubes are becoming available at commercially attractive prices, with a number of products incorporating nanotubes already available on the market today. The products incorporating carbon nanotubes range from household to commercial, anything that needs to be lighter but stronger. Examples include household tools, appliances, motor parts, airplane parts, etc. As the quantities of carbon nanotubes being produced and used ramp up, it becomes more and more important to have a quick means of verifying the quality of the material. Raman spectroscopy is a very effective tool and has become quite popular for this application.

Microplastics

Raman spectroscopy provides molecular level structural information of plastics in their native state as well as plastics that have gone through changes due to environmental weathering. With minimum to no sample preparation, Raman is very effective in quickly and accurately identifying plastics in the environment.

Electronics

With the renewable energy capture becoming more efficient and cost-effective, the need for energy storage (particularly batteries) has increased significantly. Raman spectroscopy is the tool of choice at various raw materials quality control and manufacturing steps of lithium-ion because of its ability to detect impurities and defects.

Material science

As the rate of advanced material development accelerates, holistic characterization that reveals relationships between a material’s chemistry and physical properties can be key. Such characterization is enabled by multi-modal analysis in which multiple analytical tools are applied to the study of a sample in a single experiment. Raman microscopy can be coupled with other techniques such as rheology, hot melt extrusion, AFM and XPS to gain a better understanding of physical and chemical properties of materials.

Polymer/Chemical

Raman microscopy is very effective in characterizing multilayer plastic and polymer films. The ability to measure through the layers using confocal microscopy virtually eliminates all sample preparation steps. Moreover, its ability to classify different density classes in pellet and film forms of plastics such as polyethylene expands the use of Raman in plastic/polymer industry as well as many downstream industries.

Academic research

Raman spectroscopy is heavily utilized in academic research to understand the chemical properties of materials. The uses range from simple identification to understanding complex phenomenon of polymorphism. Additionally, academic researchers push the boundaries of the technique, thus paving new avenues for this method’s use.

Pharmaceutical

Material identification is crucial in pharmaceutical products, from raw materials to manufacturing intermediates to final products. Raman spectroscopy and microscopy offer quick and accurate ways of determining concentration of active ingredients, as well as any impurities, in the products. Since Raman can measure products through many types of containers and vials, packaging materials can be effectively checked from outside without having to compromise the integrity of the materials. In addition, Raman is also utilized in research and development projects in the pharmaceutical industry.

Geology

Raman imaging is often one of the tools of choice for identification and characterization of geological materials, authenticity checks, and impurities analysis. Using Raman microscopy, it is also possible to identify what processes could have led to the formation of certain rocks or sediments. In addition, Raman is utilized to identify fossils and organic matter.

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