Metrohm Misa Raman - Product Manual

Importance of the Topic

Rapid, on-site detection of trace-level chemicals is vital for forensic investigations, food safety monitoring and environmental analysis. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers high sensitivity and molecular specificity. Implementing SERS in a portable device enables field teams to perform immediate screening without the need to transport samples to a central laboratory.

Objectives and Study Overview

This manual describes the Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer (Misa), covering model variants, software requirements, recommended accessories and operational guidelines. It aims to guide users through installation, safe handling, data acquisition and routine maintenance to maximize instrument performance in diverse analytical scenarios.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Misa applies SERS with a 785 nm laser and Metrohm’s Orbital Raster Scan (ORS™) spectrograph to average spectral data and improve reproducibility. Key Smart Tip attachments include:

• Calibration Standard: ASTM 1840 reference for instrument calibration
• Misa Vial Holder: class 1 interlocked sampling of glass vials
• P-SERS Attachment: interlocked slot for proprietary SERS strips

Communication and power are provided via USB or Bluetooth® to desktop (Misa Cal) or Android (Misa Cal M) software.

Main Results and Discussion

The manual details:

• Installation: environmental requirements, software setup on Windows or Android
• Power management: internal Li-Ion battery, USB charging and status indicators
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 for data transfer and power, BLE for mobile control
• Operation: magnetic Smart Tip attachment, lid-activated interlocks to ensure class 1 laser safety, acquisition button and status LEDs
• Maintenance: external cleaning with non-corrosive solvents, annual service recommendations

Benefits and Practical Applications

Misa’s portability, modular sampling options and extended battery life make it well suited for:

• Field screening of illicit drugs, explosives and counterfeit materials
• Rapid testing of food additives, contaminants and adulterants
• Quality control in industrial and environmental settings
• Mobile laboratory deployments and remote site monitoring

Future Trends and Opportunities

Potential developments include:

• Integration with cloud-based spectral libraries and real-time data sharing
• Artificial intelligence for automated spectral interpretation
• New SERS substrate materials to broaden analyte coverage
• Miniaturized multi-modal sensors for complementary detection techniques

Conclusion

The Misa system delivers a flexible, user-friendly platform for on-site SERS analysis. Its combination of safety-interlocked Smart Tips, wireless connectivity and robust software makes it a versatile tool for rapid qualitative and semi-quantitative screening across a range of applications.

References

None cited in the source document.