Metrohm Portable Raman Product Line

Importance of the Topic

Portable Raman spectroscopy brings laboratory-grade analytical capabilities directly into the field, enabling rapid, non-destructive chemical identification and quality control across industries such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, forensics and environmental analysis. By combining high sensitivity, broad spectral coverage and compact form factors, modern portable Raman instruments facilitate on-site decision making and reduce sample transport risks.

Objectives and Overview

This summary reviews a comprehensive line of research-grade portable Raman spectrometers offered by a leading manufacturer. The product family includes five models—i-Raman Plus, i-Raman EX, i-Raman Pro, i-Raman Prime and STRam—each optimized for specific excitation wavelengths, spectral performance and application requirements. Key goals are to highlight their optical configurations, performance benchmarks, software ecosystem and accessory options.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The portable Raman series is distinguished by multiple excitation lasers (532, 785 and 1064 nm) and power levels ranging from tens to hundreds of milliwatts at the probe tip. Spectral ranges span roughly 100–3400 cm⁻¹ with resolutions typically better than 10 cm⁻¹. Detector technologies include TE-cooled CCD arrays for visible/NIR and InGaAs arrays for NIR, supporting low dark currents and high quantum efficiencies. Integration times vary from microseconds to tens of minutes, enabling both rapid screening and high-sensitivity measurements. Communication is handled via USB 2.0 or 3.0, and instrument weights range from about 3.4 to 8.8 kg.

• i-Raman Plus: Available at 532, 785 and 1064 nm; laser output up to ~42 mW; spectral resolution <4.5 cm⁻¹; TE-cooled CCD.
• i-Raman EX / Pro: High-power 340–455 mW lasers; spectral coverage 65–3350 cm⁻¹; resolutions down to 3.5 cm⁻¹; CCD and InGaAs variants.
• i-Raman Prime: Enhanced throughput (×10) and rapid acquisition down to 200 μs; CCD with high quantum efficiency; extended spectral range to 3400 cm⁻¹.
• STRam: Ruggedized InGaAs system for 785/1064 nm; integration 200 μs–5 min; optimized for targeted NIR applications.

Software and Accessories

• BWSpec® for basic acquisition
• GemID™ spectral library (>450 entries)
• BWID® and BWID-Pharma® for identification workflows
• BWIQ® chemometric package
• SDK and Vision Software for custom integration
• Probe holders, immersion shafts, cuvette cells, video microscopes, long-working-distance lenses and Class 1 enclosures

Key Results and Discussion

Across the product line, throughput is normalized against the 785 nm i-Raman Plus model. Instruments demonstrate high signal-to-noise at integration times from sub-millisecond to 30 minutes. TE-cooled detectors maintain dark currents below 100 counts/sec, and readout noise in the 5–15 count range. The variety of laser wavelengths and detector options ensures versatility for fluorescence suppression and deep-UV or NIR applications.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid field screening of chemicals, illicit substances and pharmaceuticals
• On-site quality control in manufacturing and material verification
• Forensic casework requiring minimal sample prep
• Environmental monitoring of contaminants
• Academic research needing flexible excitation and high resolution

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging advances include integration of AI-driven spectral interpretation, further miniaturization of optoelectronic components, expanded spectral libraries leveraging cloud databases, and ruggedized designs for extreme environments. Enhanced detector materials and multi-laser modules will broaden applicability to biomedical and remote sensing fields.

Conclusion

The described portable Raman portfolio offers a versatile suite of research-grade tools that balance spectral performance, laser flexibility and ease of use. With robust software support and a wide array of accessories, these instruments empower rapid, on-site chemical analysis across diverse applications, positioning them as indispensable assets for modern analytical laboratories and field operations.

References

No literature references were provided in the source document.