Misa Cal software - Tutorial

Importance of Topic

Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) are powerful analytical techniques for rapid, non-destructive identification of chemical compounds. A dedicated software platform that controls instrumentation, standardizes acquisition parameters and automates evaluation is essential to ensure reproducibility, data integrity and ease of use in both research and quality-control laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document describes Misa Cal, the companion desktop software for the Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer (Misa). It covers key functionality, configuration, operation and data management workflows. The goal is to guide users through:

• Software installation and initial setup
• Instrument connection and calibration
• Creation of custom operating procedures and spectral libraries
• Acquisition, processing and reporting of Raman/SERS data

Methodology and Instrumentation

Misa Cal interacts with Misa via USB to synchronize settings and data. Core elements include:

• Operating procedures: Standard or SERS-type methods that define laser power, integration time, averaging and matching libraries
• Spectral libraries: User-generated or licensed libraries for hit-quality (HQI) matching or peak-based SERS identification
• Smart Tips: Magnetic sample adapters (vial holder, P-SERS substrate holder, calibration standard) with class 1 interlock
• Calibration and system suitability: Daily wavenumber and intensity checks against an ASTM-traceable reference

Main Results and Discussion

Key operational workflows are:

• Installation on Windows 7/10 with minimum hardware requirements (64-bit OS, 2 GB RAM, 100 GB storage)
• Creating and editing custom operating procedures (selecting acquisition settings and matching libraries)
• Building spectral libraries by importing known sample spectra, annotating chemical metadata and defining SERS peak regions
• Performing instrument calibration and system suitability tests using the Calibration Standard
• Acquiring data in manual, continuous, multi-acquisition or One-Touch modes
• Processing spectra with HQI matching, SERS peak comparison or basic spectral math (addition, subtraction, averaging)
• Generating customizable PDF reports (sample summary, full sample, library or operating procedure reports)
• Managing data integrity with encryption (BRMS/.brms format), export/import, database backup and restore

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

Misa Cal enhances Raman/SERS workflows by:

• Ensuring consistency through reusable operating procedures
• Streamlining sample identification with automated library matching
• Simplifying data review, reporting and archival with built-in templates and backup functions
• Supporting regulatory and quality-assurance needs via system suitability and audit-ready documentation

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances likely to expand capabilities include:

• Integration of machine-learning algorithms for improved spectral classification and mixture deconvolution
• Cloud-based library sharing and remote instrument monitoring
• Enhanced multiplexing for high-throughput screening of complex matrices
• Broader adoption in fields such as food safety, pharmaceuticals and environmental monitoring

Conclusion

Misa Cal provides a comprehensive, user-friendly environment for controlling a portable SERS analyzer, from method development through sample acquisition, processing and reporting. Its combination of customized operating procedures, secure data management and automated matching routines makes it a valuable tool for analytical chemists seeking reliable, high-throughput Raman/SERS measurements.

Used Instrumentation

• Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer (Misa)
• Misa Cal desktop software (version 1.1.0 or higher)
• Smart Tips: Vial Holder, P-SERS Attachment, Calibration Standard

Reference

• Misa Cal Tutorial, Metrohm AG, document no. 8.0105.8024EN (2020-06-26)
• Misa Product Manual, Metrohm AG, document no. 8.950.8001
• Misa Cal M Tutorial, Metrohm AG, document no. 8.0105.8025