Chemical 3D Imaging with Raman: ultrasensitive & fast, 200 nm resolution, upgradeable to AFM

The microscope series alpha300 and alpha500 allow to perform Confocal Raman Imaging for chemical 3D Imaging and Atomic Force Microscopy for high-resolution surface analysis on large samples.

In Raman imaging, a complete spectrum is acquired in as little as 760 microseconds at each image pixel (Ultrafast Raman Imaging), resulting in images consisting of tens of thousands of Raman spectra being collected in less than a minute. Differences in chemical composition will be apparent in the Raman image and can be analyzed with a spatial resolution down to 200 nm. With the various algorithms coming with the integrated software package it is possible to visualize additional material properties such as stress fields or crystallinity. For objective and chemometric data evaluation the optional cluster analysis allows the computerized unveiling of hidden structures automatically. Using the sensitive setup of the alpha300 and alpha500 can also be an advantage when performing measurements on delicate and precious samples requiring the lowest possible levels of excitation power. Time resolved investigations of fast dynamic processes can also benefit from the ultrafast spectral acquisition times.

For structural surface imaging at the nanometer scale the microscope can be transformed into an AFM by simply rotating the objective turret. All standard AFM modes are supported ensuing high flexibility throughout the full range of AFM applications.

The alpha300 and alpha500 are the first instruments on the market to combine Confocal Raman Microscopy for 3-D Chemical Imaging and AFM for high resolution structural imaging in an integrated system. Specific automated functions such as an integrated auto-focus and an automatic AFM-tip approach guarantee that standardized routine measurement procedures or manually defined sequences can be performed without any ongoing process control by an operator (alpha500). The instruments significantly reduce the overall experiment duration and deliver a greater amount of data in a given time for resource-minimized routine research or high-level quality control, bringing results to market or publication even faster.

Fields of application include:

• Pharmaceutical Research (Drug distribution, Drug-Delivery-Systems, …)
• Life Science and Biomedicine (Living Cell, Tissues, …)
• Forensics (Material Characterizations, Inks, …)
• Coatings and Thin Films (Layer composition and thickness, Depth profiles, homogeneity, …)
• Photovoltaics and Semiconductors (Stress fields, Coatings, …)
• Polymer Characterization (Surface Structure, Crystallinity, …)

For further information please visit our product website, download our product brochure or get in contact with us!