ATR8100 Series Micro-Confocal Raman Imaging Spectrometers
Microscope-guided Raman analysis with selectable excitation, autofocus and automated chemical mapping
Description
The ATR8100 Series combines optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to analyse the molecular composition of precisely selected microscopic regions. It is designed for researchers who need to see the sample surface, position the laser onto a specific feature and acquire Raman information from that location. Configurations range from routine manual micro-Raman measurements through autofocus and automated Raman mapping, with several excitation wavelengths and detector options available to match different sample types.
Product Overview
A conventional probe-based Raman spectrometer measures whichever material lies within the probe's optical sampling area. That is suitable for uniform samples but can be limiting when the specimen contains particles, inclusions, domains, coatings or other microscopic features.
The ATR8100 adds an optical microscope and camera so the researcher can visually locate the area of interest before collecting its Raman spectrum. This is particularly useful for heterogeneous samples where adjacent regions may have different chemical composition or crystal structure.
The current family includes three principal automation levels:
| Configuration | Main function |
|---|---|
| ATR8100BS | Base micro-Raman configuration |
| ATR8100AF | Adds autofocus |
| ATR8100MP | Adds autofocus and automated Raman mapping |
Separate wavelength and detector configurations allow the platform to be adapted to different fluorescence behaviour, Raman ranges and sensitivity requirements.
How It Works
A narrow-linewidth excitation laser is directed through the microscope optics and focused onto a small area of the sample. Most of the scattered light has the same wavelength as the laser and is rejected optically. A much smaller fraction is Raman shifted because energy is exchanged with molecular vibrations in the sample.
The Raman-scattered light is collected through the microscope, separated by the spectrometer and measured by the detector. The resulting Raman spectrum is normally plotted as intensity against Raman shift in cm⁻¹.
The integrated camera allows the operator to observe the sample and locate the measurement position visually. With the mapping configuration, the sample stage moves systematically through a defined X-Y area and collects Raman spectra at multiple positions. Selected bands, peak positions or spectral-analysis results can then be converted into a spatial chemical map.
Configuration Options
The current exact-product documentation identifies the following excitation configurations:
| Configuration | Excitation | Documented maximum Raman range | Documented resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR8100-532 | 532 nm | 3200 cm⁻¹ | 5–9 cm⁻¹ |
| ATR8100-638 | 638 nm | 3200 cm⁻¹ | 5–9 cm⁻¹ |
| ATR8100-785-27 | 785 nm | 2500 cm⁻¹ | 3–6 cm⁻¹ |
| ATR8100-785-35 | 785 nm | 3300 cm⁻¹ | 5–8 cm⁻¹ |
| ATR8100-785-40 | 785 nm | 3800 cm⁻¹ | 8–11 cm⁻¹ |
| ATR8100-1064 | 1064 nm | 2300 cm⁻¹ | 10–15 cm⁻¹ |
The platform also has detector-cooling configurations for applications requiring lower dark current or longer integration.
The final combination of laser, detector, automation level, microscope objectives and Raman range should be confirmed before ordering.
Key Features
- Microscope-guided Raman measurement from selected microscopic regions.
- Base, autofocus and automated mapping configurations.
- 532, 638, 785 and 1064 nm documented excitation pathways.
- 5-megapixel microscope camera.
- 2048-pixel detector architecture on the documented standard configuration.
- USB 2.0 communication.
- Motorised scanning available for Raman mapping.
- Software-adjustable laser power on supported configurations.
- Detector-cooling options for weak Raman signals and long integration.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Documented value |
|---|---|
| Spectrometer detector range | 200–1100 nm |
| Effective detector pixels | 2048 |
| Pixel size | 14 × 14 µm |
| Detector dynamic range | 13,000:1 |
| Standard SNR | >2000:1 |
| Spectral stability | σ/µ <0.5% over stated 8 h condition |
| Temperature spectral shift | ≤1 cm⁻¹ from 10–40 °C |
| Microscope camera | 5 MP |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Laser spot | Documented as >1 µm |
| Focus method | Conjugate focus |
Higher-sensitivity cooled detector configurations are available separately and should not be assumed to be standard equipment.
Applications
The ATR8100 Series is suited to research where the measurement location matters as much as the Raman spectrum itself, including:
- nanoparticles and heterogeneous materials
- carbon and two-dimensional materials
- thin films and coatings
- polymers and composites
- pharmaceutical particles and crystal forms
- minerals and gemstones
- biological and microscopic samples
- forensic materials
- environmental particles and contaminants
Compatibility and Selection Guidance
The first decision is whether you need single-point micro-Raman or chemical mapping. If the sample is routinely positioned manually, ATR8100BS may be sufficient. Autofocus becomes useful when sample height varies or throughput is higher. ATR8100MP is the logical pathway when chemical-distribution maps are required.
Excitation wavelength should then be selected around the sample. Shorter wavelengths generally produce stronger Raman scattering but may increase fluorescence or sample heating. 785 nm is widely useful for general Raman work, while 1064 nm can help with strongly fluorescent materials.
Do not select the highest laser power automatically. Required power depends on the optical objective, sample absorption, thermal sensitivity and integration time.
Why Source Through ScienceGears
ScienceGears can review representative samples, expected fluorescence, required Raman range, autofocus and mapping requirements, detector sensitivity and microscope objectives before the system is configured. This helps establish an appropriate specification for research groups in Australia and New Zealand without unnecessarily over-configuring the microscope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ATR8100 a true Raman microscope or simply a probe mounted on a microscope?
It is a microscope-integrated Raman platform with visual positioning of the Raman measurement location. The exact degree of confocal performance depends on the selected optical configuration.
Which configuration is required for Raman mapping?
ATR8100MP is the documented mapping configuration and includes the automated scanning functionality required to acquire spatially resolved Raman data.
Why are there several 785 nm configurations?
Different spectral ranges and optical settings produce different resolution/range trade-offs. The required Raman-shift window should be defined before selecting the configuration.
When would I use 1064 nm excitation?
1064 nm can be useful when shorter-wavelength excitation produces strong fluorescence that obscures the Raman peaks.
Can I analyse transparent samples?
Raman can measure many transparent and semi-transparent materials, but the microscope objective, focus position and optical response of the sample or container must be considered.
Can the system measure very weak Raman signals?
Cooled-detector configurations are available for weaker signals and longer integration, but achievable signal quality depends strongly on the sample and excitation wavelength.
Contact ScienceGears
Contact ScienceGears with your sample type, expected fluorescence, excitation-wavelength preference, Raman range, autofocus and mapping requirements so the ATR8100 configuration can be reviewed before quotation.
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