As part of the Enterprise Ireland Capital Equipment call CAPPA recently purchased a new Raman, Witec Alpha R microscope. The new microscope is an advanced version, Raman microscope having excitation wavelengths in the visible (633 nm) and Near Infrared (830 nm). CAPPA currently posses a Horiba Raman microscope with wavelengths of 532 nm and 785 nm, the addition of the new systems adds to the excitation wavelengths and allows CAPPA to preform Raman spectroscopy over a significant portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The new system will provide a modernized offering to CAPPA’s industry partners and allow for the development of additional fundamental research.

Raman spectroscopy is being successfully applied to the analysis of a wide range of materials and systems. Some of the key areas are life sciences, materials science, chemical sciences, earth sciences and analytical sciences. It is a widely used technique applicable in the study of Carbons, Nanomaterials, Forensics, Life Sciences, Minerals, Geology and Gems, Pharmaceuticals and Polymers.

Key features of the new Raman microscopes are:

  • Confocal Raman Imaging with unprecedented performance in speed, sensitivity, and resolution
  • Hyperspectral image generation with the information of a complete Raman spectrum at every image pixel
  • Excellent lateral resolution
  • Outstanding depth resolution ideally suited for 3D image generation and depth profiles
  • Ultra – fast Raman imaging option with under one millisecond integration time per spectrum
  • Ultra – high throughput spectroscopic system for highest sensitivity and best performance in spectral resolution
  • Non – destructive imaging technique: no staining or fixation of the sample required

The Witec Alpha R correlative microscopy system is a unique integration of Raman with additional modal functionality such as inverted SNOM (Scanning Near – Field Optical Microscopy) sampling mode, ability to add an AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and more, all on one integrated and correlated imaging microscope. It is often referred to as the “gold standard” in Raman imaging for speed and resolution. The new Raman can be used for applications such as chemical/polymer detection and identification, materials testing and analysis, drug discovery, real – time reaction monitoring, pharmaceutical testing of tablets, powders and liquids, food quality control and safety, cleaning validation and toxicity testing of chemicals.

You can learn more about the facilities at CAPPA here and about the services available at CAPPA here.