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Combined Raman and scanning nearfield optical microscopy (SNOM) system

alpha300 RS from WITec

For the user with challenging experimental requirements, the alpha300 RS facilitates confocal Raman imaging in combination with scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) for optical imaging with resolution beyond the diffraction limit. It combines all the features of the alpha300 S and alpha300 R and many AFM operation modes. Furthermore the combined Raman-SNOM microscope is ideally suited for combined high-resolution Raman imaging techniques such as nearfield-Raman imaging.

Features

Provides all features of the alpha300 R (Raman) and the alpha300 S (SNOM) microscope in one instrument
Excellent combination of high-resolution surface imaging (SNOM) and chemical imaging (Raman)
Ideally suited for combined techniques such as nearfield-Raman imaging
Switch between the measurement techniques is realized by a rotation of the objective turret
No sample movement between the measurements

Further information

The alpha 300RS offers the following extensions:

alpha300 RS+ for automated measurements
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
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)
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
Dark Field, Phase Contrast and DIC optional
SNOM Operation Modes
Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (SNOM) modes: bottom up and top down mode, collection mode

Confocal microscopy (CM) modes:

Transmission
Reflection
Fluorescence (optional)
SNOM-AFM combinations: AFM operation modes of alpha300 A included or optional available
Acquisition of force-distance curves and light-distance curves
Fixed-bottom illumination
Total internal reflection illumination (optional)
AFM Operation Modes:
AFM Modes
Contact Mode
Lateral Force 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:

Usually 120 mm in x- and y-direction, 25 mm in height (adapter for larger heights available)

Computer interface:

WITec software for instrument and measurement control, data evaluation and processing

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.