New Multi-Modal Raman Spectrometer Enables Simultaneous Measurements

Materials science researchers and analytical chemists can now benefit from a new multi-modal Raman spectrometer in a compact design that provides simultaneous analysis of a single measurement point using multiple analytical techniques. Resulting information can deepen materials understanding and accelerate product engineering by demonstrating relationships between molecular composition, surface performance and structural performance that might otherwise be difficult to establish.

The Thermo Scientific iXR Raman spectrometer, which makes its debut at Pittcon 2017 (booth 3021) at McCormick Place, Chicago, uses optical interfacing to simultaneously provide a chemical fingerprint and material structure data while gathering elemental or physical information from complementary instrumentation that provides immediate correlation of data.

This information is intended to improve overall understanding of the material and, in turn, improve the quality of research findings. It is designed to enable new product improvements, facilitate failure analysis and accelerate the engineering of new materials. In addition, with Thermo Scientific OMNIC Series Software, the iXR Raman spectrometer can capture spectroscopic changes over time, enabling measurement of dynamic processes or changing conditions, such as the crystallization of a polymer in a rheological study.

“Researchers working in materials science and characterization require a deeper and more rapid understanding of new materials,” said Phillip van de Werken, vice president and general manager, molecular spectroscopy, Thermo Fisher. “The iXR Raman spectrometer builds upon our leadership in hyphenated technologies to advance our customers’ understanding of the physical properties of materials while simultaneously shedding light on the chemistry.”

Scientists can now combine Raman in a compact form with complementary analytical techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction or rheology in laboratories looking to achieve research-quality materials analysis. Combining chemical and morphological information with elemental and physical properties can provide deeper insight into the cause and effect between chemistry and performance.