RMS1000

The RMS1000 is an open architecture research grade confocal Raman microscope. It has been designed so it can be adapted to almost any modern, state-of-the-art Raman application.

This high-end research tool has been built with no compromises; resulting in a system that stands alone in both specification and ease of use. Applications beyond Raman such as time-resolved fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) are all possible with the versatile RMS1000.

For our Raman microscope price details, further information or to find out how the RMS1000 Raman Microscope can assist you with your research, simply contact a member of our sales team at sales@edinst.com.

RAMACLE^® SOFTWARE

Ramacle is an exceptional software package written for complete instrument control and data handling on the RMS1000 system. Ramacle controls all RMS1000 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.

The software provides control, visualisation, data acquisition, analysis and presentation of the RMS1000 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.

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.

KnowItAll^TM 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.

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.

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.

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.

With Ramacle fluorescence lifetime measurement at a single point of the field of view are possible. EPL/picosecond pulsed diode lasers are employed as excitation sources and the emission wavelength of detection is selected by the spectrograph. The TCSPC electronics provides temporal (lifetime) resolution with picosecond accuracy. The image shows the wide field with the selected laser spot for excitation. The insert shows the fluorescence lifetime measurement (red) together with the instrumental response function (blue) which was measured by replacing the sample with an ultra-fast decaying fluorophore (4-DASPI).

Fluorescence lifetime images (FLIM) can be created using the scan stage mapping facility that comes with the RMS1000. Instead of a Raman spectrum, a fluorescence lifetime measurement is obtained for every point of the image. The powerful Ramacle software will process all fluorescence decays and will produce a map (or image) of the average lifetime or other lifetime parameters. The image shows the average lifetime and fluorescence intensity image of a Convallaria Rhizome section stained with Acridine Orange. FLIM reveals variation in lifetime across lignified and pectin rich cell walls (2 exponential tail fitting).

Using these features in Ramacle the user can acquire Raman, photoluminescence, and lifetime maps using the RMS1000. The image below shows the biochemical analysis of woody plant cell walls using our multi-modal micro-spectroscopy approach.

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 (Raman and Photoluminescence)
• 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 upgrades:

• Mapping features – map setup, collection and data analysis
• Fully motorised stage – XYZ control through joystick and software
• Autofocus
• Fluorescence lifetime measurements
• Polariser and analyser selection and control
• Detectors selection
• Laser rejection filter selection
• External camera selection and visualisation