Building a Complete System from the Thorlabs Raman Spectroscopy Kit
A complete Raman spectroscopy system must include:
- 1 RSB1(/M) Spectrograph Base Unit
- 1 Front End for Collecting Raman Signal
- RSBR1(/M) Reflective Front End
- RSBC1(/M) Cuvette Front End
- Custom-Built Front End*
- Source with Excitation Between 680nm and 785nm (See Laser Requirements Tab; Sold Separately)
- PC for Running the Thorlabs OSA Raman Software (User Supplied)
*Custom front ends can be built using the RSBF2 Fiber Input Adapter with the RP35 Raman Fiber Probe or the RSBA1 60mm Cage System Adapter.
Note: Do not mix imperial base units with metric front ends or vice versa. The input aperture height between imperial and metric units differs slightly due to the mounting posts.
| Key Specificationsa | |
|---|---|
| Input Aperture Size | 2.3mm x 3.2mm |
| Wavenumber Detection Range | 500cm-1 to 1800cm-1 @ 785nm Excitation 2400cm-1 to 3800cm-1@ 680nm Excitation |
| Spectral Resolution | <9.7cm-1 at 500cm-1 <7.8cm-1 at 1800cm-1 |
| Spectral Accuracy | <2.3cm-1 at 500cm-1 <1.8cm-1 at 1800cm-1 |
| Exposure Time: Typical Use Case | 1000ms to 20s |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 700:1 (Typical) >300:1 (Min) |
| Maximum Excitation Power | SM-Fiber: 250mW MM-Fiber with Ø105µm Core: 600mW |
- See the Specs tab for complete specifications.
| Quick Links |
|---|
| Spectrograph Base Unit |
| Reflective Front End for Powder and Solid Samples |
| Cuvette Front End for Transparent, Semi-Transparent, and Translucent Samples |
| Fiber Input Adapter |
| Raman Fiber Probe |
| 60 mm Cage System Adapter |
| Replacement Calibration Samples |
| Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Substrate |
Features
- Modular, Large Field-of-View Raman Spectroscopy Kit with a Coded-Aperture Input
- Designed for 680nm to 785nm Excitation and an 815nm to 915nm Wavelength Detection Range
- Attached CMOS Monochrome Camera for Room Temperature Measurements
- Wavelength and Amplitude Calibrated for Comparison to Spectral Data Bases
- Optional Adapters for 60mm Cage System Compatibility or Direct Fiber Input
- Spectra Recorded with Thorlabs' OSA Raman Software (See Software Tab)
Applications
- Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Mixtures
- Identification of Illegal or Dangerous Substances
- Quality Inspection (Pharmaceuticals, Food, etc.)
- Monitoring Chemical Processes at Production Sites
The Thorlabs Raman Spectroscopy Kit is a modular spectroscopy system that features a large (2.3mm x 3.2mm) coded aperture at the spectrograph input instead of a traditional slit to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio (700:1), a low power density (at the sample), and room temperature operation. A pseudo-Hadamard mask of order 64, i.e., a defined pattern of elements for intensity modulation, is used at the input to increase the total light throughput of the system while maintaining high spectral resolution; please see the Coded Aperture tab for more information on coded-aperture (CODA) technology. This kit is designed for 680nm to 785nm excitation and an 815nm to 915nm detection range. A full list of specifications can be found on the Specs tab.
In comparison to traditional slit spectrographs, this kit averages Raman photons from a larger sampling volume, making it ideal for analyzing complex mixtures. The resulting output spectrum is a linear combination of the Raman fingerprints from the various molecules in the sampling volume, which can be identified through comparison to spectral databases.
A complete Raman spectroscopy system must include an RSB1(/M) base unit and a front end for collecting the scattered Raman signal; RSBR1(/M) and RSBC1(/M) front ends are sold below. A source with excitation between 680nm to 785nm, as well as a PC for running the Thorlabs OSA Raman software, must be supplied by the user.Thorlabs offers a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Substrate (sold separately below) that can be used with the RSBR1(/M) front end to enhance the Raman signal by orders of magnitude. We also offer portable Raman spectrometerswith integrated excitation lasers and automated substance analysis.
Base Units
The RSB1(/M) Base Unit, the core of Thorlabs' Raman spectroscopy system, is a volume-holographic grating imaging spectrograph that includes a coded input aperture and an attached Kiralux® monochrome CMOS camera. This unit is designed for 680nm to 785nm excitation. For excitation at 785nm, we recommend using the FPV785M VHG-Stabilized Laser or any source that meets the specifications on the Laser Requirements tab. For easy comparison to spectral databases, the base unit is wavelength calibrated, as well as amplitude corrected using a NIST-certified polynomial during factory calibration.
To get started instantly, this kit ships with the necessary accessories for mounting, including an aluminum base, mounting posts, and post clamps. A USB stick that contains a folder with the camera calibration dataset and a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with macros for evaluating the excitation laser wavelength is also included. For A full list of items shipped with each base unit, please see the Shipping List tab. Note that a polystyrene calibration sample should be used to accurately determine the laser wavelength; these calibration samples are shipped with each front end or are available for purchase separately below.
Note: The attached Kiralux camera should not be removed; disassembly of the RSB1 base unit will destroy the system calibration.
Front Ends
This modular kit offers two front ends optimized for the collection of Raman-scattered photons from a variety of sample types. The RSBR1(/M) reflective front end is designed to examine powder and solid samples, while the RSBC1(/M) cuvette front end is ideal for liquids. Also available is the RSBF2 fiber input adapter, which couples Raman-scattered light carried via optical fiber from a user-designed setup to the base unit.For optical fiber excitation and light collection, werecommendour RP35Bifurcated Reflection Probe for Raman Spectroscopy (sold below) which is compatiblewith the RSBF2 adapter. To build up a custom front end, the base unit is compatible with Thorlabs optomechanics through the SM1 (1.035"-40) and SM1.5 (1.535"-40) external threading on the aperture or our 60mm cage system using the RSBA1 adapter (sold below).
Note that when paired with a user-supplied laser source, the RSBR1(/M) andRSBC1(/M) front endsandthe RP35 Raman Fiber Probe provide a free space beam. Please consult your laser safety officer to ensure the safety of the setup before powering on any laser source. For further laser safety information, please refer to the user manual, which can be found by clicking on the red Docs icon (
) next to each Item #.
Note: RSBC1(/M) and RSBR1(/M) front ends built in 2021 or 2022 accommodate excitation only at 785nm. Please contact Tech Support for assistance if you plan on adapting older front ends for excitation between 680nm and 785nm. Please be aware that while the wavelength detection range of the RSB1(/M) spectrograph will remain unchanged, the wavenumber detection range will change with the use of a different excitation wavelength.
Software
The Thorlabs OSA Raman Software is used to record Raman spectra, and the user-friendly software GUI allows the user to adjust the integration time of a single measurement, the analog gain, and the black level (pixel offset). The software also allows the user to easily change the axis units from wavelength to wavenumber, apply spectrum smoothing, and automatically correct the camera’s amplitude response with a NIST fluorescence standard for easy comparison to database spectra. For more information on the Raman software suite, please see the Software tab.
Raman Spectroscopy Kit Options
The images below show the possible setups that can be built from the Raman spectroscopy kit components. Each image depicts a spectrograph base unit mounted to an aluminum breadboard (included) with one of the available front ends or adapters. Note that the base unit, front ends, and adapters are sold separately. The Raman kit does not include an excitation source (see the Laser Requirements tab) or PC for running the available software.
Note: Do not mix imperial base units with metric front ends or vice versa. The input aperture height between imperial and metric units differs slightly due to the mounting posts.
Click to EnlargeRaman Spectroscopy Kit Setup for Solid Samples
Click to EnlargeRaman Spectroscopy Kit Setup for Samples in Cuvettes
Click to EnlargeRaman Spectroscopy Kit Setup for Custom Builds
Click to EnlargeRaman Spectroscopy Kit Setup for Fiber Input
Specifications
This tab describes the specifications for the base units and front ends, as well as specifications for the full kit.
Contents
- Raman Spectroscopy System Specifications
- Base Unit Specifications
- Reflective FrontEnd Specifications
- Cuvette Front End Specifications
- Fiber Input Adapter Specifications
- Bifurcated Fiber ProbeSpecifications
- These specifications are for a RSB1(/M) base unit used with eithera RSBR1(/M) or RSBC1(/M) front end.
- 1000 ms is the minimum recommended integration time to achieve a SNR of 100:1; 20 s is the maximum integration time supported by the sensor.
- The SNR is defined as the ratio of the Raman signal intensity to the noise in an area without a peak. The specified SNR was determined from baseline-subtracted, amplitude-corrected Raman spectra of polystyrene (RPB Polystyrene Sample Block), and the excitation laser had a wavelength of 785 nm and an excitation power of 300 mW. Signal is the amplitude of the main polystyrene Raman feature at 1001 cm-1. The noise is given by one standard deviation in the spectral region between 1500 and 1540 cm-1. The specified SNR is valid for an integration time of 10 seconds, independent of the camera gain.
- Relative Intensity Correction Standard for Raman Spectroscopyat 785 nm Excitation
- Limited by the damage threshold of the integrated filters.
- A Ø105µm corearmored multimode fiber patch cableis strongly recommended. If a single mode fiber is to be used, the SNR may degrade due to less uniform illumination and the power must be reduced.
- The maximum excitation power depends on the stability of the sample. Take care with inflammable, explosive, and absorbing samples.
Base Unit Specifications
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity (non-condensing).
| Item # | RSB1 | RSB1/M |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Specifications | ||
| Wavelength Detection Range | 815 nm to 915 nm | |
| Spectral Resolution (FWHM, Wavelength) | <0.65 nm | |
| Spectral Accuracy (Wavelength) | <0.15 nm | |
| Wavenumber Detection Range | 500 cm-1 to 1800 cm-1 (@ 785 nm Excitation) 2400 cm-1 to 3800 cm-1(@ 680 nm Excitation) | |
| SpectralResolution (FWHM, Wavenumber) | <9.7 cm-1 @ 500 cm-1 <7.8 cm-1@ 1800 cm-1 | |
| Spectral Accuracy (Wavenumber) | <2.3 cm-1 @ 500 cm-1 <1.8 cm-1 @ 1800 cm-1 | |
| Beam Heighta | 3.25" (82.6 mm) | 84.1 mm (3.31") |
| Numerical Aperture | 0.22b | |
| Input Aperture | ||
| Type | Coded Aperture (Hadamard, 64th Oder) | |
| Aperture Material | Chromium on Fused Silica | |
| Aperture Size | 2.3 mm x 3.2 mm | |
| Single Element Size | 36µm x36 µm | |
| Grating | ||
| Type | Transmission | |
| Line Density | 1624 Lines/mm | |
| Center Wavelength | 871 nm | |
| Diffraction Efficiency (@ Center Wavelength, Average Polarization, and AOI = 45°) | >80% | |
| Camera/Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | Monochrome CMOS, Non-Cooled | |
| Effective Number of Pixels (H x V) | 4096 x 2160 | |
| Imaging Area (H x V) | 14.131 mm x 7.452 mm (0.56" x 0.29") | |
| Pixel Size | 3.45 µm x 3.45 µm | |
| ADCcResolution | 12 Bits | |
| General Specifications | ||
| Interface to PC | Hi-Speed USB 3.0 | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 6.46" x 5.20" x 1.88" (164.2 mm x 132.0 mm x 47.6 mm) | |
| Weight (Base Unit) | 0.867 kg | |
| Weight (Base Unit and Accessories) | 1.86 kg | |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 10 °C to 40 °C (Non-Condensing) | |
| Storage Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C | |
- The beam height is measured from the surface of the breadboard to the middle of the input aperture.
- Design Value for Vignetting to Occur
- Analog-to-Digital Converter
Reflective Front End Specifications
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity (non-condensing).
| Item #a | RSBR1 | RSBR1/M |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Specifications | ||
| Fiber Connector | FC/PC,Wide-Key | |
| Excitation Cleanup Filter, Bandpass | 680 nm to 785 nmb | |
| Longpass Filter, Cut-on Wavelength | 810 nmc | |
| Angle of Incidence | 30° | |
| Collection Geometry | Back-Scatteringd | |
| Maximum Excitation Power at Fiber Output | 250 mW SM Fiber 600 mW MM Fiber with 105µm Coree,f,g | |
| Focal Volumeh | ~10 mm3 | |
| General Specifications | ||
| Interface to the RSB1(/M) Base Unit | SM1 (1.035"-40) Internal Thread | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H)i | 3.00" x 3.89" x 4.36" (76.2 mm x 98.8 mm x 110.6 mm) | 75.0 mm x 99.1 mm x 114.6 mm (2.95" x 3.90" x 4.51") |
| Weightj | 0.5 kg | |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 10 °C to 40 °C (Non-Condensing) | |
| Storage Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C | |
- These front ends collimate the excitation laser. When using the front ends incorrectly, a collimated (Class 4) laser beam may be emitted, which is dangerous even at large distances.
- These front ends are appropriate for a laser with680.0 nm ± 5.0 nm to 785.0 nm ± 0.6 nm excitation wavelength. Front ends built before 2023 have a single band785 nm ± 0.6 nm bandpass filter. Please contact Tech Support to achieve 680 nm to 785 nm excitation with 2021 and 2022 systems.
- This wavelength is 805 nm for items built before 2023.
- With Respect to the Angle of Incidence
- Limited by the Damage Threshold of the Integrated Filters
- A >Ø105 µm corearmored multimode fiber patch cable is recommended. If a SM fiber is to be used, the SNR may degrade due to less uniform illumination and the power must be reduced.
- The maximum excitation power depends on the stability of the sample. Take care with inflammable, explosive, and absorbing samples.
- A depth of focus >1 mm results in a sampling volume of <10 mm3.
- These are the dimensions of the front end mounted to the breadboard with the sample table and light shield.
- This weight includes the front end with the light cover and sample table.
Cuvette Front End Specifications
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity (non-condensing).
| Item #a | RSBC1 | RSBC1/M |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Specifications | ||
| Fiber Connector | FC/PC,Wide-Key | |
| ExcitationCleanup Filter,Bandpass | 680 nm to 785 nmb | |
| Longpass Filter, Cut-on Wavelength | 810 nmc | |
| Collection Geometry | 90°d | |
| Maximum Excitation Power at Fiber Output | 250 mW SM Fiber 600 mW MM Fiber with 105µm Coree,f,g | |
| General Specifications | ||
| Compatible Cuvette Type | 10 mm Light Path Dimensions: 12.5 mm x 12.5 mm x 45 mm (0.49" x 0.49" x 1.77") Optical Axis Height Above Cuvette Base: 8.5 mm (0.33") Four Polished Sides | |
| Interface to the RSB1(/M) Base Unit | SM1 (1.035"-40) Internal Thread | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H)h | 2.66" x 4.54" x 5.19" (67.5 mm x 115.4 mm x 131.9 mm) | 69.3 mm x 115.2 mm x 133.4 mm (2.73" x 4.54" x 5.25") |
| Weight | 0.5 kg | |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 10 °C to 40 °C (Non-Condensing) | |
| Storage Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C | |
- These front ends collimate the excitation laser. When using the front ends incorrectly, a collimated (Class 4) laser beam may be emitted, which is dangerous even at large distances.
- These front ends are appropriate for a laser with680.0 nm ± 5.0 nm to 785.0 nm ± 0.6 nm excitation wavelength. Front ends built before 2023 have a single band785 nm ± 0.6 nm bandpass filter. Please contact Tech Support to achieve 680 nm to 785 nm excitation with 2021 and 2022 systems.
- This wavelength is 805 nm for items built before 2023.
- This collection geometry is with respect to the angle of the excitation laser input orientation in the standard configuration. For changes to the configuration, please see the"Polarization Dependent Raman Spectroscopy" section in the manual.
- Limited by the Damage Threshold of the Integrated Filters
- A >Ø105 µm core armored multimode fiber patch cable is recommended. If a SM fiber is to be used, the SNR may degrade due to less uniform illumination and the power must be reduced.
- The maximum excitation power depends on the stability of the sample. Take care with inflammable, explosive, and absorbing samples.
- These are the dimensions with the post at its lowest height,not including the clamp or screws.
Fiber Input Adapter Specifications
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity (non-condensing).
| Item # | RSBF2 |
|---|---|
| Optical Specifications | |
| Wavelength Range | 650 nm to 1050 nm |
| Input Fiber Specifications | |
| Fiber Connector | SMA |
| Input Fiber Core Diameter (Max) | 2.5 mm |
| Numerical Aperture (Max) | 0.5 |
| General Specifications | |
| Device Compatibilitya | Exclusively Designed for the Thorlabs Modular Raman Spectroscopy Kit |
| Interface to RSB1(/M) Base Unit | SM1 (1.035"-40) Internal Thread |
| Dimensions | Ø31.8 mm x 48.9 mm (Ø1.25" x 1.93") |
| Weight | 0.055 kg |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 10 °C to 40 °C (Non-Condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
- The RSBF2 adapter is designed to provide an output beam that matches the input requirements of the RSB1(/M) base unit; it is not intended for standalone use.
Bifurcated Fiber ProbeSpecifications
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity (non-condensing).
| Item # | RP35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Light SourceLega | ||
| Fiber Connector | FC/PC Narrow Key | |
| Wavelength Range | 680 ± 0.5 nm to 785 ± 0.5 nm | |
| Maximum Input Power | 300 mW @ 680 nm 600 mW @ 785 nm | |
| Fiber Core Diameter | Ø200 ± 4 μm | |
| Fiber Numerical Aperture | 0.22 ± 0.02 | |
| SpectrometerLega | ||
| Fiber Connector | SMA905 | |
| Wavelength Range | 815 nm to 950 nmb | |
| Number of Fibers | ≥65 Fibers | |
| Illuminated Area | 2.1 mm (0.08") | |
| Individual Fiber Core Diameter | Ø200± 4 μm | |
| Individual Fiber Numerical Aperture | 0.22± 0.02 | |
| MaterialSpecifications | ||
| Fiber Cores | Low-OH Fused Silica | |
| Furcation Tubing | Sheathed Stainless Steel | |
| Lensc | Fused Silica | |
| Operating Conditions | ||
| Operating Temperature Range | 5°C to35 °C (Non-Condensing) | |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to70 °C | |
| Mechanical Specifications | ||
| Probe Tip Diameter | Ø6.35 mm (1/4") | |
| Largest Dimension of Combined Legs | 9.5 mm x 18.4 mm (0.38" x 0.73") | |
| Minimum Bending Radius | 80 mm (3.15") | |
| Length | Individual Leg | 1 ± 0.075 m (39.4 ± 3.0") |
| Overall | 2 +0.075 /-0 m (78.8 +3.0/-0") | |
| Weight | 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs) | |
- The light source and spectrometer legs are also referred to as the excitation and emission legs, respectively.
- When used with the RSB1(/M) Base Unit, the collection range is limited to that of the spectrometer (815 - 915 nm).
- The bonding material used is Loctite Eccobond F113SC.
| Laser Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 680.0 ± 5.0 nm to 785.0 ± 0.6 nm |
| Spectral Bandwidth (FWHM) | <0.15 nm |
| Wavelength Stabilization | <0.02 nm |
| Thermal Stabilization | ±0.1 °C (Max) (Wavelength Stability: <0.02 nm) |
| Output Power (Max) | 600 mWa |
| Recommended Output Power (Approximate) | 250 mW ± 150 mW |
| Fiber Connector | FC/PC |
| Fiber Core Diameter | Ø105 µm |
| Fiber NA | 0.22 |
- The maximum excitation power is limited by the excitation bandpass filter and is also a function of what the sample can tolerate. Take care with inflammable, explosive, and absorbing samples.
Recommended Laser for the Raman Spectroscopy System
Raman spectroscopy requires a laser source with a narrowband, stabilized output to produce spectra with clean signatures. Because the number of Raman-scattered photons is linearly proportional to the intensity of the excitation source, the laser should also have a high output power. The laser specifications required for proper operation of Thorlabs' Raman system are shown in the table to the right. Note that, as the sample needs to be illuminated hom*ogeneously, a Ø100 μm to Ø200 μm multimode fiber should be used to guarantee a flat-top profile on the sample after collimation by the front end.
For 785 nm excitation, we recommend using Thorlabs' FPV785M Volume-Holographic-Grating- (VHG) Stabilized Laser. This laser uses a volume holographic grating to provide narrow-linewidth operation at 785 nm, and it is pigtailed to an FC/PC-terminated multimode fiber to accommodate high-power, hom*ogenous sample illumination. To achieve a wavelength-stable output, we also recommend using this laser with our CLD1015 Laser Driver and Temperature Controller.
The use ofarmored multimode fiber patch cables with a >Ø105 µm core is strongly recommended even if the laseris fiber pigtailed. Directly connecting to the front end with a non-armored fiber increases the risk of exposure to dangerous radiation in case the fiber becomes damaged.
Notethat when paired with a user-supplied laser source, the front ends provide a free space beam. Necessary laser safety protocols will depend on the user's chosen laser source and the lab environment. Please consult your laser safety officer to ensure the safety of the setup before powering on any laser source.
| Input Fiber Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Fiber Connector to RSBR1(/M) or RSBC1(/M) Front Ends | FC/PC |
| Fiber Type | Multimode Fiber |
| Fiber Core Diameter | Ø100 µm (Minimum) Ø105 µm (Typical) Ø200 µm (Maximum) |
| Fiber NA | 0.22 |
| Recommended Fiber | MR16L01 Armored Fiber Patch Cable |
Fiber Specifications for the Raman Spectroscopy System Front Ends
The table to the right shows the specifications required for the fiberthat connects the excitation laserto the reflective and cuvette front ends. For the RSBF2 Fiber Adapter, we recommend usingourRP35 Reflection Probe for Raman Spectroscopy.
| OSA Raman Software Recommended System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows® 10 (32-Bit, 64-Bit) |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 3000+ |
| Memory (RAM) | 2.0 GB |
| Graphic Card Resolution (Min) | 800 x 600 Pixels |
| Hard Drive (Min) | 2 GB of Available Disk Space (32-Bit, 64-Bit) |
| Interface | Free High-Speed USB 3.0 Port |
| ThorCam Recommended System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows® 7, 10, or 11 (64 Bit) |
| Processor (CPU)a | ≥3.0GHz Intel Core (i5 or Higher) |
| Memory (RAM) | ≥8 GB |
| Hard Driveb | ≥500 GB (SATA) Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Graphics Cardc | Dedicated Adapter with ≥256 MB RAM |
| Motherboard | USB 3.0 (-USB) Cameras: Integrated Intel USB 3.0 Controller or One Unused PCIe x1 Slot (for Item # USB3-PCIE) GigE (-GE) Cameras: One Unused PCIe x1 Slot |
| Connectivity | USB or Internet Connectivity for Driver Installation |
- Intel Core i3 processors and mobile versions of Intel processors may not satisfy the requirements.
- We recommend a solid state drive (SSD) for reliable streaming to disk during image sequence storage.
- On-board/integrated graphics solutions present on Intel Core i5 and i7 processors are also acceptable.
Software for Raman Spectroscopy Kit
Thorlabs' Raman Spectroscopy Kit is controlled by ourThorlabs OSARaman software package. This software features a straightforward, intuitive, responsive interface that exposes all functions in one or two clicks. Click the software linkbelow (left) to download the latest version of the OSA Raman Software package.
The alignment of the RSBF2 Fiber Input Adapter can be monitored with the ThorCam™ Software, which is an image acquisition software package designed for use with our scientific cameras on 32- and 64-bit Windows® 7 or 10 systems. Theintuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface provides camera control as well as the ability to acquire and play back images. Click the software link below (right) to download the latest version of the ThorCam Software package.
Software
OSA Raman Version 3.0
Includes a GUI foracquiringspectra with theRSB1(/M) Base Unit from the Raman Spectroscopy kit.
Software
ThorCam™ Version 3.7.0
The ThorCam software is used in the alignment procedure for the RSBF2 Fiber Input Adapter. Click the button below to visit the ThorCam software page.
Click to Enlarge
The integration time, analog gain, and black level can be adjusted in the settings dialog. Also in this window are the device status icons and the calibration information.
Click to Enlarge
The OSA Raman software can display data on the primary and secondary vertical axes, which are on the left and right of the graph, respectively.A trace displayed on the secondary axis will have a small arrow displayed next to its icon in the Trace controls bar. The software can handle up to 26 traces.
OSA Raman Software Highlights
The text below summarizes several key features of the OSA Raman software. Complete details on the software are availablein the manual(PDF link).
Settings Dialog
The OSA Raman software allows critical parameters for Raman spectroscopy to be adjusted, including the integration time, analog gain, and black level. Also included in the device settings are indicator buttons to show whether the camera is connected to the PC, the saturation state of the camera, and whether acquisition of a new dark image is required. Spectra units can also be set toeither wavelength (nm) or wavenumbers (cm-1).
Built-In Tools for Analysis
Robust graph manipulation tools include automatic and manual scaling of the displayed portion of the trace and markers for determining exact data values and visualizing data boundaries. Automated peak and valley tracking tools identify up to 2048 peaks or valleys within a user-defined wavelength range and follow them during continuous spectrum acquisition. Statistical parameters of traces such as standard deviations, RMS values, and weighted averages are available, and a curve fit tool fits polynomial, Gaussian, and Lorentzian functions to the spectrum.
To compare acquired spectra to Raman signatures of known substances, spectra from external databases can be be imported into the software using CSV files.
Data Export
The Raman trace can be saved in the OSA Raman software spectrum file format(.spf2x) or exported into various file formats, including Matlab, Galactic SPC, JCAMP-DX, CSV, and text formats. Note that the OSA Raman software can load but not export .spf2 file formats generated with other Thorlabs OSA software.
Shipping List
The following are shipped with the RSB1(/M) Base Unit:
- Base Unit for Raman Spectroscopy with Protective SM1 Cap
- USB 3.0 USB Cable (Micro B to A) to Connect the Camera to the PC
- MB1824 (MB4560/M) 18" x 24" x 1/2" (450mm x 600mm x 12.7mm) Aluminum Breadboard
- BBH1 Breadboard Lifting Handles
- 2 x RS2.5P(/M) Ø1" (Ø25.0mm) Mounting Posts, L = 2.5" (65mm)
- 2 x CF125C(/M) Clamping Forks
- USB Stick with Coded Matrix Calibration Data and Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet with Macros for Evaluating the Excitation Laser Wavelength
- Quick Reference
The following are shipped with the RSBR1(/M) Front End for Reflective Measurements:
- Front End for Reflective Measurements with Protective SM1 and FC/PC Caps
- Sample Table with a BA2F(/M) Mounting Base
- RPC Polystyrene Calibration Chip
- Stray Light Shield
- Quick Reference
The following are shipped with the RSBC1(/M) Front End for Cuvette Measurements:
- Front End for Cuvette Measurements with Protective SM1 and FC/PC Caps
- TR1.5 (TR40/M) Ø1/2" (Ø12.7mm) Mounting Post, L = 1.5" (40mm)
- PH2E (PH50E/M) Ø1/2" (Ø12.7mm) Pedestal Post Holder
- CF125C(/M) Clamping Fork
- 3500µL Macro FluorescenceSynthetic Quartz Glass Cuvette1
- RBP Polystyrene Block for Calibration
- Quick Reference
The following are shipped with the RSBF2 Fiber Input Adapter:
- Fiber Input Adapter with Protective SM1 and SMA Caps
- Quick Reference
The following are shipped with the RP35 Raman Fiber Probe:
- Bifurcated Fiber Probe with Plastic Protective Caps for SMA, FC/PC, and Fiber Probe Ends
- Quick Reference
The following are shipped with the RSBA1 Adapter for 60mm Cage Systems:
- 2 Mounting Brackets
- 4 8-32 (9/64" Hex) and 4 M4 (3mm Hex) Cap Screws
- Quick Reference
- The CV10Q35F Macro Fluorescence Cuvette is an equivalent replacement.
Click to Enlarge
A spectrograph with a coded aperture uses a slit pattern to increase light throughput while maintaining high spectral resolution. This example shows a Hadamard mask of order 2, while the mask used in the RSB1(/M) base unit is order 64.
Click to Enlarge
Traditional imaging spectrographs require narrow slits to achieve high spectral resolution. This limits the light that can pass through the spectrograph.
Coded-Aperture (CODA) Raman Spectroscopy
The Thorlabs Raman Spectroscopy System is based on an imaging spectrograph that features a diffraction grating as the dispersive element. Traditional spectrographs of this design face a trade-off between the desired spectral resolution and the achievable light throughput. This is because the dispersive element produces spectrally separable images of the same slit image. When the slit is wider, the light throughput may be increased, but the spectra may no longer be separable, leading to loss of the spectral information.
In contrast, the Thorlabs' Raman system spectrograph replaces the single-slit input aperture of conventional systems with a defined pattern of multiple slits, which is known as a coded-aperture (CODA) input. This spatial amplitude modulation mask acts as a convolution operator with an orthogonal basis in two dimensions. The resulting mesh image from the sensor is reconstructed using the inverse transform operator. This encoding uses the complete large window of the mask for optical input, while the output spectral resolution is defined by dimensions of a single mask element.
The pure math engine of a Hadamard transform is adopted for the Raman spectroscopy application; please see the reference article for more details1. Hadamard matrices consist of elements that only take values of 1 and -1. Since the -1 element cannot be realized in a real-world mask, our pseudo-Hadamard optical mask maps the -1 to 1 values to intensity modulations from the range of 0 (light blocked) and 1 (pixel transparent). The necessary spectrum reconstruction algorithms are implemented in the supplied Thorlabs OSA Software, as well as corrections for the unavoidable optical distortions due to a large input field. Device specific calibration data for compensation of the exact instrument distortions and transmission characteristics are shipped on a USB with each RSB1(/M) base unit.
References
- M.E. Ghem et al., "Static Two-Dimensional Aperture Coding for Multimodal, Multiplex Spectroscopy," Applied Optics, vol. 45, no. 13, 2006.
Polarization-Dependent Raman Spectroscopy
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Coordinate Axes for Polarization Orientation
Controlling the polarization of the excitation and Raman-scattered light can provide information about the symmetry of bond vibrations within a molecule.In the as-delivered configuration (90° geometry),the RSBC1(/M) cuvette front end only detects s-polarized light unless the excitation light is completely unpolarized. The signal strength of peaks resulting from symmetrical vibrational modes can be optimized by rotating the collimator orby adding polarization optics to the excitation and collection paths. Note that due to its 180° geometry, the RSBR1(/M) reflective front end is not sensitive to polarization.
Whenadjusting any part of the Raman spectroscopy kit, carefully follow laser safety instructions for the user-supplied laser; a collimated laser beam is emitted from the fiber port of the RSBC1 front end and collimator bundle when the user-supplied laser is connected.Any laser should be turned off before modifying the setup.
Background
The symmetry of the bond vibration behind a Raman peak is characterized by the depolarization ratio:
where I|| and I⊥ are the peak intensities for parallel and perpendicular polarization of the observed Raman scattered light with respect to the excitation light. A vibrational mode is completely symmetric and referred to as a polarized band when ρ < 0.75. When ρ ≥ 0.75, a vibrational mode is not completely symmetric and is called a depolarized band.
In this application note, excitation light propagates along the z-axis, s-polarized means light polarized in the y-direction, and p-polarized means polarization in the x-direction.
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Excitation and Collection Paths with Polarization Optics Included
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Loosen Two 1/6" (1.5 mm) Setscrews to Rotate the Collimator
Optimizing Raman Signal via Collimator Rotation
In general, excitation light is not completely non-polarized, as the original polarization of the laser source is partially preserved even after passage through a considerable length of multimode fiber. The setup consisting of the RSB1(/M) base unit and RSBC1(/M) cuvette front end only allows for the observation of s-polarized light. The ratio of parallel and perpendicular components contributing to the measured Raman spectrum changes upon rotation of the fiber around the z-axis, which can strongly enhance or attenuate the Raman peaks.
It is not possible to rotate the fiber within the collimator FC/PC fiber port, and fiber rotation around the z-axis can only be achieved by rotating the collimator with the fiber attached to it. To rotate the collimator, loosen the two 1/16" (1.5 mm) nylon-tipped screws that secure it in the fiber input.
When adjusting any part of the Raman spectroscopy kit, carefully follow laser safety instructions for the user-supplied laser; a collimated laser beam is emitted from the fiber port of the RSBC1 front end and collimator bundle when the user-supplied laser is connected.Any laser should be turned off before modifying the setup.
Including Polarization Optics in the Excitation and Collection Path
To accurately determine depolarization ratios, polarization optics can be added to the excitation and collection paths of the Thorlabs Raman system that includes the RSB1(/M) base unit and RSBC1(/M) cuvette front end.
The excitation path can be modified by unscrewing the fiber input and collimator bundle from the front end and mounting them in an optics mount, such as CP33(/M). Then, a half-wave plate and polarizer, mounted in appropriate optics mounts, can be placed in front of the input port of the main body of the front end. The collection path can be modified by unscrewing the baffle assembly from the base unit and inserting a half-waveplate and polarizer.Note that this constructionmust be made light tight and samples that have increased scattering should have user-supplied baffles to help prevent unwanted straylight from entering the spectrograph.
Note: P-polarized Raman-scattered light is observable in a 180° geometry, i.e. transmission setup. While it is possible to convert the RSBC1(/M) cuvette front end into a 180° setup and observe Raman signal in this configuration, a significant amount of excitation light will reach the camera sensor. This leads to increased background and noise levels in the spectral range of the base unit. In this modified orientation, it is recommended to use additional filters, such as theFELH0800,to supress the excitation light in the Raman-scattered light path.
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Energy Levels of Various Radiation Types
Raman Spectroscopy
Raman Spectroscopy is a well-established technique for the characterization of chemical substances in solid, powder, liquid, or gas forms. It is based on the detection and analysis of Raman scattered light emitted from a sample upon exposure to monochromatic light.
Raman Scattering
Atoms in a molecule are held together by chemical bonds. Depending on the number of atoms and the geometry of the bonds, there are different ways molecules can vibrate. Each unique mode of vibration can be excited only with a certain, well defined amount of energy. When an exciting photon is absorbed by the molecule, it may excite a vibrational mode or absorb energy from an existing vibrational mode before being re-emitted. The loss or gain of energy due to this interaction with a vibrational mode means the photon is inelastically scattered, and this interaction between the light and the material is called the Raman effect. The resulting shift in energy and wavelength of the scattered photon due to this inelastic scattering (Raman scattering) is called the Raman shift. Raman spectroscopy measures this Raman shift.
Raman scattering is a rather rare event and occurs for only about 1 in 1 million exciting photons. It is, therefore, critical to excite the sample with a high-power light source and to collect as much Raman-scattered light as possible for analysis. To generate sufficient Raman scattering, the sample is typically exposed to high-intensity monochromatic laser light.
Because excitation of a whole set of vibrational states of a sample with a defined amount of energy (the exciting laser light) results in material-specific Raman scattering, a measured Raman spectrum may be considered a chemical fingerprint of the substance. The vibrations detected by Raman spectroscopy may differ from those modulating the molecular dipoles, which are observable by IR spectroscopy, and make it a valuable source for material analysis and complementary to other types of vibrational spectroscopy.
Energy Shift Due to Inelastic Scattering
Raman spectroscopy analyzes the shift in energy due to inelastic scattering caused by the Raman effect. The wavelength of the inelastically scattered photon is related to the excitation wavelength through the following energy equation describing the Raman scattering event:
where Evib is the vibrational energy of the molecule affected by the exciting photon, Eout is the energy of the scattered photon, and Ein is the energy of the exciting photon.
The photon's energy and frequency are related via the Planck-Einstein relation:
with h = 6.6260715 x 10-34 J⋅s, fin is the incoming photon frequency in Hertz. The analogous relation holds for the scattered photon (Eout = hfout).
Using equations 1 and 2, as well as λ = c/f where c is the speed of light, the Raman shift of a molecular vibration can be characterized with knowledge of the precise wavelength of the excitation wavelength λin based on the following equation:
Describing Raman scattering in wavelength space is a disadvantage, as it depends on the precise excitation wavelength. However, it is fixed in the Raman-shift scale, or wavenumber scale, in units of cm-1. Therefore, in order to compare Raman spectra of a substance between different experimental setups, Raman spectra are represented as 2D plots of measured relative intensity (Y-axis) in Raman shift of the inelastic scattered light in wavenumbers (cm-1, X-axis). This unit is, in contrast to nanometers, a scale proportional to energy.
| Posted Comments: | |
Jiwon Yune  (posted 2023-08-23 13:43:30.833) I am having a difficult time installing the Thorlabs Raman software. Although .NET framework v4.7.2 and above are installed on my PC, the installer tells me that .NET framework is missing, when I run it for the first time. FYI, I am using Windows 11 on Intel. How can I fix this issue? soswald  (posted 2023-08-24 03:46:15.0) Dear Jiwon Yune,thank you for your feedback. Can you please try installing .NET framework version 4.7.2 or 4.8 from here: https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework/net472I have reached out to you directly to further assist with troubleshooting. NICOLAS DAUGEY  (posted 2023-06-08 16:35:06.01) Dear all, I just found this Raman spectrometer. I am very interested by your spectrometer especially with your high throughput special slit and the choice of two lasers. Is it recent product from your side? Is it possible to test it in a comparative measurement at our lab with another spectrometer? Thanks in advance,N. Daugey soswald  (posted 2023-06-09 02:16:06.0) Dear Nicolas,thank you for your feedback. Both our modular Raman spectroscopy kit as well as the portable Raman spectrometers (RASP1/RASP2) were indeed added to the catalogue quite recently.We are happy to provide loan devices so you can test them at your lab. I have reached out to you directly to discuss this further. Carles Ros  (posted 2022-07-04 09:34:40.42) Hi, we want to set a similar setup to the Raman spectroscopy kit and have few questions:- you propose the FPV785M laser, and to adapt it to the system with a Armored Multimode Fiber Optic Patch Cable. how we connect the laser, which already comes with a fibre, with the armored fibre? or can it be substituted?- which of the armored fibers is better and which is the exact difference? M29L o M93L are the ones you suggest. - this raman setup is only possible with the 785nm laser? could it be set with a shorter wavelength light?thanks a lot! nreusch  (posted 2022-07-07 03:45:18.0) Thank you for contacting us. If you use an excitation laser that is pigtailed with a fiber which is not armored, we recommend not connecting this comparatively fragile fiber to the front end directly due to the risk of exposure to dangerous radiation in case the fiber gets damaged. You could use a mating sleeve to connect the non-armored fiber to an armored fiber.Comparing e.g. M93L01 and M29L01, M93L01 comes with a 1500 µm core diameter with FT05SS tubing, whereas e.g. M29L01 is a 600 µm core diameter patch cable with FT030 tubing. This means the fiber type as well as the tubing differs. Both have SMA connectors that would not match the input port of the kit. The input fiber requirements are listed under tab “Laser Requirements”. You would need a multimode fiber patch cable with FC/PC connector and a core diameter between 100 µm (minimum) and 200 µm (maximum) and a numerical aperture of 0.22. The recommended fiber would be MR16L01, i.e. an armored 105 µm core diameter fiber with FC/PC connectors. As alternative, you could use one of the 200 µm FC/PC patch cables that are listed at https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=5684.If you want to use the Raman bundle in the high-wavenumber region between 2800 cm^-1 and 3800 cm^-1, you could choose an excitation laser at 680 nm, but you would also need to change the filter in the front end of the kit. I will contact you to discuss further details about your application. |
