C215 Integrated Electrochemical Raman Microscope

C215 Integrated Electrochemical Raman Microscope

The C215 is an integrated electrochemical Raman microscope for researchers who need to correlate Raman spectra, microscopic images and electrochemical responses from the same region of an electrode. It combines a Raman microscope, motorised XYZ mapping stage and three-electrode electrochemical workstation within one control platform. Its key distinction is a German-made high-precision closed-loop translation stage with at least 75 × 50 × 50 mm travel, a minimum step of ≤0.05 µm and positioning accuracy of ±1 µm.

Product Overview

The system is designed for in-situ and operando studies where chemical or structural changes must be followed while potential or current is applied. Microscopic imaging, point Raman acquisition, Raman mapping and electrochemical control are integrated into a common workflow, reducing the need to coordinate separate instruments and software platforms.

Electrochemical and Raman acquisition can be synchronised with a trigger delay of ≤100 ns, supporting both steady-state and transient experiments. The compact integrated format can also be considered for space-limited environments such as gloveboxes, subject to site-specific utility, ventilation and laser-safety requirements.

How It Works

A selected 532, 633 or 785 nm laser is focused onto the sample or electrode through the upright reflected-light microscope. Raman scattering is collected through the optical system and dispersed by a rotatable 1800 grooves/mm grating before detection by a two-stage-cooled detector.

For mapping experiments, the closed-loop motorised XYZ stage moves the sample through programmed coordinates while positional feedback improves repeatability and reduces accumulated positioning error. The built-in electrochemical module controls a three-electrode cell while the software links potential or current data with Raman spectra, time-series measurements, images and maps.

Key Features

• • Integrated microscopic imaging, Raman spectroscopy, Raman mapping and electrochemical control.
• • German-made high-precision motorised XYZ stage with closed-loop position feedback.
• • XYZ travel range of ≥75 × 50 × 50 mm, minimum step of ≤0.05 µm and accuracy of ±1 µm.
• • Raman imaging resolution better than 1 µm for micro-area chemical mapping.
• • Synchronised electrochemical and Raman triggering with ≤100 ns delay.
• • Rotatable 1800 grooves/mm grating with spectral resolution better than 4 cm⁻¹.
• • Two-stage detector cooling below −20 °C and signal-to-noise ratio of 5000:1.
• • Upright reflected-light microscope with LED bright-field illumination and an 8 MP imaging camera.
• • Five-position objective turret supplied with 10×, 50× and 100× objectives.
• • Intelligent particle recognition and automatic positioning with accuracy better than 2 µm.
• • Data export for spectra, maps, time-series measurements and electrochemical data in CSV and TXT formats.
• • Basic HTTP-based control interfaces for laboratories considering customised automation workflows.

Technical Specifications

Raman excitation options: 532 nm, 633 nm or 785 nm

• Laser output:
  - 532 nm: ≥100 mW
  - 633 nm: ≥30 mW
  - 785 nm: ≥100 mW
• Spectral range:
  - 170–3900 cm⁻¹ at 532 nm
  - 170–3900 cm⁻¹ at 633 nm
  - 170–3400 cm⁻¹ at 785 nm
• Grating: Rotatable, 1800 grooves/mm
• Spectral resolution: Better than 4 cm⁻¹ with the 1800 grooves/mm grating
• Detector cooling: Two-stage cooling below −20 °C
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 5000:1
• Microscope: Upright reflected-light microscope with LED illumination and bright-field optics
• Imaging camera: 8 MP
• Objectives:
  - 10× objective: NA 0.3, working distance 8.5 mm
  - 50× objective: NA 0.75, working distance 3.0 mm
  - 100× objective: NA 0.9, working distance 1.0 mm
• Motorised stage: Closed-loop XYZ translation stage
• XYZ travel range: ≥75 × 50 × 50 mm
• Minimum stage step: ≤0.05 µm
• Stage accuracy: ±1 µm
• Raman mapping resolution: Better than 1 µm
• Electrochemical configuration: Three-electrode
• Electrochemical voltage range: ±10 V
• Applied-voltage accuracy: 0.1% of full scale ±1 mV
• Potential measurement deviation: 0.2% of full scale ±2 mV
• Current range: ±250 mA
• Applied-current accuracy: 0.1% of full scale
• Current measurement deviation: ±0.2% of full scale
• Reference-electrode input impedance: >10¹² Ω
• Electrochemical and Raman synchronisation: Trigger delay ≤100 ns
• Particle positioning accuracy: Better than 2 µm
• Data export: CSV and TXT
• Approximate instrument dimensions: 33 × 62 × 48 cm

Applications

• • In-situ Raman investigation of potential-dependent surface species and reaction intermediates.
• • Electrocatalysis and electrochemical reaction-mechanism studies.
• • Battery electrode and electrolyte-interface research, including interphase formation and degradation.
• • Corrosion, passivation-film and surface-transformation studies.
• • Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy during electrochemical polarisation.
• • Raman mapping of heterogeneous catalysts, particles, coatings and functional materials.
• • Time-resolved studies combining transient electrochemical control with Raman acquisition.

Compatibility and Selection Guidance

The matching electrochemical cell can accommodate standard disc electrodes, flat round or square metal plates, glassy carbon disc electrodes and carbon paper. Liquid flow-through applications can also be considered, but cell geometry, tubing, sealing, optical working distance and sample orientation should be confirmed for the intended experiment.

Select the excitation wavelength according to the sample’s Raman response, fluorescence background, optical absorption and potential laser-heating sensitivity. A 532 nm laser generally provides stronger Raman scattering but may produce greater fluorescence or sample heating. A 785 nm laser can help reduce fluorescence for some materials, while 633 nm provides an intermediate option.

The built-in electrochemical workstation operates in a three-electrode configuration and does not currently provide electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Laboratories requiring EIS should discuss a separately verified external measurement pathway rather than assuming that EIS is available from the integrated module.

The available laser sources are Class 3B. Appropriate controlled-area procedures, laser eyewear, engineering controls and a site-specific safety review are required. The final enclosure, interlock arrangement, electrical documentation and laser-compliance package should be confirmed for the selected configuration before ordering and installation.

Why Source Through ScienceGears

ScienceGears can assist researchers in Australia and New Zealand with wavelength selection, sample and electrode compatibility, electrochemical range, cell configuration, flow requirements, data workflow and installation planning. Application discussions and sample-trial requirements can also be reviewed before a formal system configuration and quotation are prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the principal advantage of the C215 closed-loop stage?

Closed-loop feedback provides more controlled and repeatable positioning than an open-loop stage. This is particularly useful for Raman mapping, revisiting selected coordinates and analysing small particles or heterogeneous electrode regions.

Can the built-in workstation perform EIS?

No. The integrated electrochemical module currently supports three-electrode potential and current control but does not include EIS. Any external EIS integration must be confirmed separately.

Which laser wavelengths are available?

The instrument can be configured with 532, 633 or 785 nm excitation. The most suitable wavelength depends on Raman scattering efficiency, fluorescence, optical absorption, sample-heating risk and the materials being studied.

Can the system be installed in a glovebox?

Its compact integrated arrangement is intended to support operation in confined environments such as gloveboxes. Available space, heat load, electrical connections, gas atmosphere and Class 3B laser controls must be assessed before installation.

What electrode formats are supported by the supplied cell concept?

Verified formats include standard disc electrodes, flat round or square metal plates, glassy carbon disc electrodes and carbon paper. Other electrode or sample formats should be checked before quotation.

Can Raman and electrochemical data be exported?

Yes. Raw and processed spectra, Raman maps, time-series measurements and electrochemical data can be exported in CSV and TXT formats.

Does the microscope use a confocal pinhole?

The optical system provides confocal capability using slit-based confocal rejection. It does not use a conventional physical confocal pinhole.

What information is needed for system selection?

Provide the sample and electrode type, intended electrolyte and atmosphere, required laser wavelength, Raman mapping area, electrochemical method, current and voltage requirements, need for liquid flow, glovebox constraints and local laser-safety requirements.

Contact ScienceGears

Contact ScienceGears to request a quotation or discuss the most appropriate laser wavelength, electrochemical cell, sample format, mapping requirements, safety configuration and installation needs for your in-situ and operando Raman research.