Metrohm i-Raman Plus Fiber Optic Raman spectrometer

Importance of the Topic

The ability to perform highly sensitive Raman spectroscopy in a portable format is crucial for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to industrial quality control. Fiber optic probes enable remote and in situ sampling with minimal sample preparation, offering real time molecular information across diverse research and field settings.

Objectives and Article Overview

This document presents the i-Raman Plus system, a compact, high resolution fiber optic Raman spectrometer designed to deliver research grade performance in portable applications. Key goals include maximizing signal to noise ratio, extending spectral coverage, and supporting both qualitative and quantitative analyses through integrated chemometric software.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The i-Raman Plus integrates the following components

• Laser excitation sources at 532 nm (30 mW exiting probe) and 785 nm (340 mW exiting probe) with adjustable power control from 0 to 100%
• Spectrometer modules offering spectral ranges from 65 to 4200 cm-1 and resolutions better than 3.5 cm-1
• High quantum efficiency CCD array detector cooled to −2 °C, with integration times from 100 ms to 30 minutes
• USB 3.0/2.0 interface, optional battery power, and compatibility with fiber optic probes and sampling accessories including cuvette holders and video microscopes
• Software suite comprising BWSpec for control and real time analysis, BWID for material identification, and BWIQ for multivariate chemometrics (PLS, PCA, SVM)

Main Results and Discussion

Performance testing demonstrates high dynamic range and low background noise, enabling detection of weak Raman signals over extended integration. The system achieves uniform spectral response across the full coverage, with reproducible resolution per ASTM standards. The modular design permits rapid switching between measurement configurations, ensuring versatility for solid, liquid and SERS samples.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages and fields of application include

• Non-destructive analysis in art conservation and archaeology
• Bioscience and medical diagnostics
• Pharmaceutical quality control and formulation studies
• Environmental monitoring and forensic investigation
• Geology, gemology and polymer process monitoring
• Food safety, agriculture, semiconductor inspection and narcotics detection

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may focus on further miniaturization, integration of AI driven spectral interpretation, cloud enabled data sharing, and development of autonomous field sensors. Enhanced probe designs and expanded spectral libraries will support real time process control and remote diagnostics.

Conclusion

The i-Raman Plus system offers a robust combination of sensitivity, resolution and portability tailored to a wide range of analytical challenges. Its comprehensive instrumentation and software tools empower both expert and novice users to implement reliable qualitative and quantitative Raman analyses in the laboratory or in the field.

References

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