Chemical and nanoscale imaging system

alpha300 RA from WITec

The well-established Raman-atomic force microscope (AFM) combination alpha300 RA was the first integrated Raman AFM system on the market and continues to set the standard for combined instrument configurations. The alpha300 RA incorporates the features of the Raman microscopy system alpha300 R for powerful chemical imaging along with features of the atomic force microscopy system (alpha300 A) for high-resolution nanoscale surface characterization and thus facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the samples.

Features
  • Excellent combination of comprehensive surface characterization on the nanometer scale (AFM) with chemical imaging (Raman)
  • Ideally suited for combined techniques such as simultaneous Raman-AFM measurements
  • Switch between the measurement techniques is realized by a rotation of the objective turret
  • No sample movement between the measurements
  • Provides all features of the alpha300 R (Raman) and the alpha300 A (AFM) microscope in one instrument

Further information

With the alpha300 RA the two complimentary imaging techniques are available in a single instrument without compromise and are controlled by one software suite for the highest ease-of-use and reliability. Switching between the imaging techniques requires just a turn of the objective turret, with all imaging parameters automatically adjusted and the same sample area easily imaged with both techniques. The software also allows the effortless correlation of the Raman and AFM results and the image overlay.

The alpha300 RA is ideally suited for combined imaging techniques such as TERS for high-resolution Raman imaging or simultaneous Raman-AFM measurements.

The alpha300 RA offers the following extensions:

  • Automated motorized sample positioner in x-, y-, and z-direction, 25 mm travel range (50 mm travel range optional)
  • Automated confocal Raman Imaging (25 x 25 mm; optional 50 x 50 mm)
  • Automated multi-area and multi-point measurements
  • Raman depth profiling
  • 2D and 3D Raman mapping
  • Autofocus

alpha500 RA for automated large sample investigations:

  • Motorized scan stage for large-area confocal Raman mapping (150 x 100 mm) with automated sample positioner in x-, y-, and z-direction
  • Motorized z-stage system for automated approach
  • Microscope base with active vibration isolation system
  • Automated large area confocal Raman Imaging (150 x 100 mm)
  • Automated multi-area and multi-point measurements
  • 2D and 3D Raman mapping
  • Raman depth profiling
  • Autofocus

Specifications

Raman Operation Modes:

  • Raman spectral imaging: acquisition of a complete Raman spectra at every image pixel
  • Planar (x-y-direction) and depth scans (z-direction)
  • Nano-Manipulation/Lithography
  • Image stacks: 3D confocal Raman Imaging
  • Time series
  • Single point Raman spectrum acquisition
  • Single-point depth profiling
  • Ultrafast Raman Imaging (1300 spectra per second) optional available
  • Confocal fluorescence microscopy
  • Bright Field Microscopy
  • Dark Field, Phase Contrast and DIC optional
  • Upgradable for epi-fluorescence applications

AFM Operation Modes:

  • Contact Mode
  • AC Mode (Tapping Mode)
  • Digital Pulsed Force Mode (DPFM)
  • Lift Mode
  • Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM)
  • Electric Force Microscopy (EFM)
  • Phase Imaging
  • Force Distance Curves
  • Lateral Force Microscopy (LFM)
  • Chemical Force Microscopy (CFM)
  • Current Sensing Mode

Microscope Features:

  • Research grade optical microscope with 6 x objective turret
  • Video system: eyepiece color video camera
  • LED white-light source for Köhler illumination of tip and sample
  • High sensitivity b/w video camera to view sample and SNOM/AFM tip in transmission
  • Manual sample positioning in x- and y-direction, 25 mm travel
  • Microscope base with active vibration isolation system
  • Piezo-driven scan stage (scan range 100 x 100 x 20 µm; others optional)
  • Sample Size:

Applications

Life science From measurements in liquids to solid samples or soft tissues in life science varied samples are analyzed on a regular basis. With their convenient handling and versatile analytical capabilities the flexible WITec imaging systems provide the opportunity to adjust the imaging technique to changing requirements and are particularly well-suited for life science.
Pharmaceutics, cosmetics The development and production of drug delivery systems requires efficient and reliable control mechanisms to ensure the quality of the final products. These products can vary widely in composition and application. Therefore analytical tools such as the WITec imaging systems that provide both comprehensive chemical characterization and the flexibility to adjust the method to the investigated specimen are preferred in pharmaceutical research.
Materials science Materials science is a diverse field including the development and testing of new substances, as well as the refinement of manufacturing processes and quality control for existing products. WITec imaging systems are particularly well-suited for comprehensive sample analyses in materials science and provide the opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the sample surface morphology and chemical composition.
Geoscience WITec confocal Raman imaging systems are excellent analytical tools for the comprehensive investigation of geological samples, such as the identification and characterization of minerals, or in the observation of mineral phase transitions in high and ultra-high pressure/temperature experiments.
Polymers WITec imaging systems enable comprehensive sample analysis that provides a thorough characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the polymers on the nanometer scale.
Nano-Carbon and graphene Nano-carbon materials such as graphene or carbon nano-tubes show immense promise in many applications such as transistors, sensors, and optoelectronics. Flexible and adaptive analytical methods can support effective investigation and accelerate progress in nano-carbon & graphene research and development.

Downloads

Spectroscopy solutions brochure
alpha300 high throughput microscope series brochure

Contact

Dr. Stefano Pergolini
Dr. Stefano Pergolini

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Via Francesco Sapori, 27
00143 Roma
Italy

Phone:+39 06 5004204
Fax:+39 06 5010389
E-mail:italy@qd-europe.com
Dr. Stefano PergoliniProduct Manager
+39 06 5004204
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