Summary of Contents for PerkinElmer RamanFlex 400 Series
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MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide...
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The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Except as specifically set forth in its terms and conditions of sale, PerkinElmer makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide . 3 Table of Contents Introduction ....................5 About This Manual .................... 6 Conventions Used in this Manual ................ 7 Notes, Cautions and Warnings ..............7 Safety Practices ..................11 Overview ......................12 General Operating Conditions................13 Environmental Conditions .................14...
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4 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Using the RamanFlex 400 ................ 69 Introduction ....................70 General SOPs ....................71 SOP-1: Switching the System On ............... 71 SOP-2: Turning the Instrument Off ............72 SOP-3: Setting-Up and Saving Experimental Parameters ......72 SOP-4: Defining Scan Parameters and Starting Data Collection ....
6 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide About This Manual This Getting Started Guide contains all of the information that you will need to setup your RamanFlex 400 Series Raman Spectrometer and start collecting spectra. The Getting Started Guide is divided into the following chapters: Introduction This chapter contains an overview of the manual, and the conventions and warnings used in the manual.
ALT+F. All eight digit numbers are PerkinElmer part numbers unless stated otherwise. The term RamanFlex 400 Series means the RamanFlex 400 and the RamanFlex 400F Raman Spectrometers.
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8 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide We use the term CAUTION to inform you about situations that could CAUTION result in serious damage to the instrument or other equipment. Details about these circumstances are in a box like this one.
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Introduction . 9 We use the term WARNING to inform you about situations that could result in personal injury to yourself or other persons. Details about these circumstances are in a box like this one. WARNING Warning (Warnung) Bedeutet, daß es bei Nichtbeachten der genannten Anweisung zu einer Verletzung des Benutzers kommen kann.
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10 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide...
All information provided herein is for reference only. All information is believed to be correct and complete. PerkinElmer shall not be liable for errors contained herein nor damages concerned with the use of this document. PerkinElmer does not accept liability for the interpretation of information resulting, either directly or indirectly, from our spectrometers or associated software interfaces.
14 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Environmental Conditions The instrument has been designed to be safe under the following conditions: Indoor use; • • Altitude up to 2000 m; • Ambient temperatures of 5 °C to 40 °C;...
Safety Practices . 15 Fire Safety Ensure that there is at least 15 cm (6”) between any cooling vents and adjacent • equipment or walls. Ensure that the power supply unit (PSU) vents or fan do not become obstructed • (Figure 1).
16 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Electrical Safety The spectrometer module comes assembled within a protective housing to prevent exposure to electrical hazards. There are also a number of exterior service panels that you should Cleaning the Air remove only if you are cleaning the air filters.
PSUs. Under no circumstances should you attempt to disassemble the PSU and carry out repairs. If the PSU has a fault, please contact your PerkinElmer Service Engineer. The entire unit must be replaced. WARNING Connect the PSU to a three-wire (live, neutral and ground/earth) socket.
18 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Power Cords (Between PSU and Power Outlet Socket) The power cord supplied to connect the instrument PSU to the power point (socket) should be appropriate for the country listed as the shipping destination.
EC directive The RamanFlex 400 and RamanFlex 400F have been designed and tested to meet the requirements of the EC directive 2004/108/EC. The RamanFlex 400 Series complies with the EMC standard EN61326 (EMC standard for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use), and EN55011 (ISM) class A (rf emissions).
PerkinElmer for advice before using the instrument again. The RamanFlex 400 Series are classified as Class 3B. The FOP provides a focused beam of laser radiation at 785 nm. This type of laser radiation is classified as a Class 3B laser source.
Safety Practices . 21 Class 3B Safety Precautions You should follow Class 3B laser safety precautions such as the use of door interlocks and the wearing of laser safety goggles. For information on these precautions refer to an appropriately trained laser safety officer within your own facility. Laser safety is very important.
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22 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Fiber Optic Probe Safety The fiber optic probe body incorporates a number of important safety features, including: • Beam attenuator/cover • Emission Indicator/LED When attached to the spectrometer, the fiber optic probe provides a focused beam of Class 3B laser radiation.
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Do not use the TFOP if it shows any sign of damage. • • If repair or servicing is needed, call your PerkinElmer Service Representative for advice. Raman Triggered Fiber Optic Probe For further safety details, see the leaflet (L1321887) Calculation of Nominal Hazard Zones for use of Fiber Optic Probe The following calculations show how to calculate a nominal hazard zone.
7.5 (± 10%) 27.3 NOTE: Other focal lengths are available; contact PerkinElmer for details. In particular, the use of an ultra-long working distance lens adaptor (part number L1320071) provides a working distance of 25 mm. Where different focal lengths are used, the NOHD should be calculated accordingly.
Safety Practices . 25 Warning Labels When this label is attached to an instrument it means refer to the manual to find out the nature of the potential hazard and any actions which have to be taken. Labels on the Exterior of the RamanFlex 400/400F The following labels are displayed on the exterior of the instrument: LASER RADIATION LASER RADIATION...
26 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Fuses Electrical hazard To prevent potential injury to yourself and damage to the instrument, switch OFF all components in the system and disconnect them from the line power supply before you alter, or make any new, electrical WARNING connections.
28 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide The History of Raman Spectroscopy Inelastic light scattering was first predicted in 1923 by A.G. Smekal in Germany. Research carried out by A. H. Compton discovered inelastic scattering of X-rays, which led the Indian scientist C.
Raman History, Theory and Instrumentation . 29 Raman Theory When photons from a monochromatic light source impinge on a sample, a small fraction are scattered in all directions. Some of the scattered photons are of the same energy as those of the incident beam, and hence the same frequency, giving rise to Rayleigh scattering (Figure 5).
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30 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide The change between the incident radiation and the Stokes/Anti-Stokes radiation represents a change in the vibrational and/or rotational energy of the molecule. The frequency shifts from the frequency of the incident beam are displayed on the x-axis of a Raman spectrum, generally in relative wavenumbers (otherwise known as Raman Shift) and the intensity of the bands are displayed in arbitrary units on the y-axis.
Raman History, Theory and Instrumentation . 31 The RamanFlex 400 Series The RamanFlex 400 Series are fiber-optic Raman spectrometers with laser excitation wavelength at 785 nm. Figure 8 The RamanFlex 400 Series The instrument (Figure 8) is composed of a laser, mirrors, fiber optics, filters, lenses, spectrograph and a CCD detector.
The Echelle Spectrograph Figure 10 Schematic of the Echelle Spectrograph PerkinElmer’s Echelle detector is shipped in the RamanFlex 400 Series. The system contains two components; the Echelle spectrograph and a two-dimensional CCD detector. The system works by dispersing the light in two dimensions by using two gratings (Figure 10). The first grating disperses the light horizontally onto the second grating, where the light is further dispersed vertically onto the CCD detector.
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No light is lost, all the light goes onto the detector, and all the strips are readout simultaneously. The concept of an Echelle detector is not unique to PerkinElmer. Echelle detectors are commonly used in applications where high resolution...
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34 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide...
Power Supply 100–240 V ±10%, 50–60 Hz If the electricity supply does not conform to these specifications, please consult PerkinElmer prior to installation. If the supply of power is erratic please use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Incorrect shutdown, power fluctuations or brown-outs may damage the...
Preparing your Facility . 37 PC Requirements The following pages provide details of the requirements for the PC that will run the Spectrum software and communicate with the instrument. To ensure successful installation of the software, please check these requirements before starting the installation. Hardware Requirements The PC on which you install the software must meet the following minimum specifications: ®...
38 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Finding a Suitable Location for the Instrument The following conditions should be observed: There must be a minimum of 3 power points (1 for the spectrometer, 2 for the PC). If •...
If you have a deep depletion CCD installed in your RamanFlex 400 (L1320036–L1320039) you will also receive: L1323525 Deep Depletion PSU L1323010 Recirculating Cooler L1321674 Tygon Tubing NOTE: Your instrument will be assembled and aligned by a PerkinElmer Service Engineer. The following sections are provided for your information only.
Installing your RamanFlex 400 . 43 Lifting the Instrument The RamanFlex 400 spectrometer weighs 20 kg. To avoid injury or damage to the instrument, please use proper lifting techniques. To lift and/or move the instrument safely requires two people. WARNING Always hold the instrument under the base when you lift the spectrometer.
44 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Attaching the External Interlock Override The RamanFlex 400 Series has an external interlock connection located on the rear panel of the spectrometer module. To operate the instrument, the external interlock must be satisfied.
1. Connect the mains power cords from the PC and the monitor into the mains electrical supply, and then switch on. 2. If you are prompted to login to Windows when you start the PC, log in. If your PC was provided by PerkinElmer your username and password will be: Username: Administrator Password: Administrator 3.
The RamanFlex 400 is supplied with two keys. One should be placed in the instrument and the other should be stored in a safe place. Replacement keys (L1323503) can be obtained from PerkinElmer. A laser safety officer or lab manager can control use of the instrument with these keys.
Installing your RamanFlex 400 . 47 Installing Spectrum Software Before you Start NOTE: Before connecting the PC to the RamanFlex 400 spectrometer you must install the PC Requirements Spectrum software. We strongly suggest you read the starting on page 37 before starting the software installation. NOTE: Before installing the software, we recommend that you read and print the Release Notes which can be found as a .rtf file and a .pdf file on the root of the CD, because they contain important information that may not be in this manual or the Spectrum...
48 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Installation Procedure NOTE: It is important to note that you must be logged on at Administrator level on Windows before installing the software. The Installation Wizard helps you install the software on your PC.
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Installing your RamanFlex 400 . 49 5. Read the license and if you accept the terms, select that option and then click Next. You will then be asked which products you want to install. 6. Select the required product(s) and then enter the License Number(s) as found on the Software License Certificate.
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50 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide 7. Click Next. The Ready to Install the Program page is displayed. 8. Click Install to begin installing Spectrum. The Installing Spectrum Software page is displayed, which informs you of the status of the installation.
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Installing your RamanFlex 400 . 51 9. Click Finish. Before you can collect spectra you must configure your Raman instrument. 10. Place your Raman Instrument Installation Disk (LX108925) into your CD drive. 11. If the installation program does not start automatically, from the Start Menu select Run. The Run dialog is displayed.
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52 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide 13. Click Next. The License Agreement page is displayed. 14. Read the license and if you accept the terms, select that option and then click Next. The Ready to Install the Program page is displayed.
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Installing your RamanFlex 400 . 53 15. Click Install to begin installing the Raman instrument. The Installing Raman Instrument page is displayed, which informs you of the status of the installation. During this installation, the DirectX Setup page is displayed. 16.
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54 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide 17. Click Next. The Raman Instrument Install Wizard opens at the Welcome page. 18. Click Start. The Enter Instrument Details page is displayed. 19. In the Instrument Alias field, enter a name for your Raman instrument.
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If you have already installed PerkinElmer software on the PC, the PerkinElmer Login dialog is displayed. Login as a PerkinElmer Software Administrator. Use the Administrator User name that you use for the PerkinElmer software that is already installed on the PC. The default User name and Password are administrator.
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56 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide The Install PerkinElmer Raman Instrument page is displayed. 23. Attach the supplied USB 2.0 cable (L1320821) from the rear panel of the spectrometer module to the PC. Figure 13 USB 2.0 cable NOTE: If you disconnect one of the USB cables and reattach it to a different USB port, then you will be prompted for the drivers.
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26. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and then click Next. The Please choose your search and installation options page is displayed. 27. Select Include this location in the search, click Browse, and then navigate to C:\Program Files\PerkinElmer\ServiceIR\Raman.
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58 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide 28. Click Next. The Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard is displayed. 29. Click Finish. The Found New Hardware Wizard closes. 30. On the Install PerkinElmer Raman Instrument page, click Continue. The Instrument Installation Complete page is displayed.
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Installing your RamanFlex 400 . 59 31. Click Finish. The Raman Instrument Installer closes. When the installation is complete, the InstallShield Wizard Completed page is displayed. 32. Click Finish. The Raman Instrument Installer Information dialog is displayed. 33. Click Yes to restart your PC. NOTE: You should not allow the PC to enter Standby mode.
60 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Moving the Instrument The RamanFlex 400 spectrometer weighs about 20 kg. Two people are needed to lift the instrument. WARNING If you need to ship your instrument you must use the original supplied packing materials to prevent damage to the system.
62 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Spectrometer Front Panel (Console) The RamanFlex 400 front panel contains 3 LED indicators and 1 key switch (Figure 14). Figure 14 Spectrometer module front panel Description Power If the Power LED is illuminated, this indicates that the instrument is receiving power.
NOTE: If you use the probe body in any chemical or aggressive environment you must use an immersion sleeve to protect the probe body. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE PROBE BODY IN SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT THE USE OF AN IMMERSION SLEEVE (L1320003). If required, contact PerkinElmer for further details.
64 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Attaching and Removing the Fiber Optic Probe The standard fiber optic probe is constructed such that a single armored cable bifurcates into an excitation cable and a collection cable. The excitation fiber transmits the laser energy, whereas the collection cable is a conduit for the Raman energy.
Introduction to the RamanFlex 400 . 65 Removing the FOP If it is necessary to remove the FOP, for example, for replacement or transportation, please follow this procedure carefully: 1. Ensure the attenuator cap is attached to the FOP. 2. Switch off the instrument and remove the main power cable. 3.
66 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Acquiring Spectra with the Fiber Optic Probe The Raman Fiber Optic Probe (L1320002) has a tight focus spot that is approximately 7.5 mm away from the lens. The focused spot enables you to pinpoint the measurement area on the sample.
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Ensure an immersion sleeve is in place before immersing your FOP; see Figure 16. Please contact PerkinElmer if you WARNING have any questions in relation to sampling using the FOP.
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68 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide...
70 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Introduction The RamanFlex 400 and RamanFlex 400F combined with the Spectrum software are very flexible instruments. This chapter demonstrates how to perform a number of tasks. The procedures provided may not be the most straightforward or simple for the task you wish to perform, so treat these Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as a starting point and with time you may wish to develop your own SOPs which better suit your specific mode of use.
Using the RamanFlex 400 . 71 General SOPs The General SOPs demonstrate how to setup your instrument and software. For SOPs that Fiber Optic Probe demonstrate how to collect data using a fiber optic probe, please refer to SOPs Calibration and .
72 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide 6. Check that the Power LED on the front panel is On. The Laser LED and the Active LED should be off. If the Power LED is not on, please turn the instrument off at the PSU and check all of the connections, any power socket switches and then switch the PSU on again.
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Using the RamanFlex 400 . 73 3. On the Experiment page, select the Set-up tab and then set the Scan time and Number of scans. Typical values for Scan time and Number of scans are 5 seconds and 5 scans, respectively.
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74 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Parameter Recommended Set Up Scan time 5 seconds (sample dependant) (Experiment page/Set-up tab) Number of scans 5 (sample dependant) (Experiment page/Set-up tab) −1 Spectral Information Range 250 – 3500 cm (Experiment page/Advanced tab) −1...
Using the RamanFlex 400 . 75 SOP-4: Defining Scan Parameters and Starting Data Collection NOTE: If you are using a Triggered Fiber Optic Probe, refer to the Raman Triggered Fiber Optic Probe leaflet (L1321887) supplied with the probe for configuration and usage details.
76 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Fiber Optic Probe SOPs NOTE: If you have a RamanFlex 400F with two fiber optic probes, ensure that the probe not in use is covered. NOTE: The SOPs included on the following pages are only appropriate for a standard fiber optic probe.
Using the RamanFlex 400 . 77 SOP-6: Sample Positioning when using a Fiber Optic Probe You can use the Spectral Preview button to position your sample for optimum spectral collection efficiency. Sample positioning and alignment in preview mode allows you to position and focus on a specific area and to collect spectral data from that location.
78 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Calibration and Performance Verification SOPs Several different automated calibration tests are included in the software, these are: Wavelength (x-axis) calibration uses the position of precisely known lines in a neon • emission spectrum to calibrate the detector.
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Then repeat the wavelength calibration verification to ensure that the instrument has been brought back within specification. If the instrument fails the wavelength calibration verification again, please contact PerkinElmer.
80 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide SOP-8: Wavelength Calibration Verification of the RamanFlex 400 1. Ensure the instrument is switched on by following SOP-1. 2. Open the Scan and Instrument Setup dialog and then click Spectral Preview. NOTE: If you have a RamanFlex 400F with two fiber optic probes, ensure that the probe not in use is covered.
Using the RamanFlex 400 . 81 SOP-9: Wavelength Calibration of the RamanFlex 400 Wavelength calibration should only be performed if the instrument has failed a wavelength calibration verification. 1. Ensure the RamanFlex 400 is switched on. If not follow SOP-1. 2.
NOTE: As intensity calibration is not required on a regular basis, NIST Standards are not included in the basic RamanFlex 400 package. Standard Reference Materials can be purchased from PerkinElmer (L1321831). Your instrument will be intensity calibrated prior to shipping or during installation.
Using the RamanFlex 400 . 83 1. Ensure the RamanFlex 400 is switched on; if not, follow SOP-1. 2. In the Scan and Instrument Setup dialog, click Spectral Preview and then focus on the appropriate NIST standard. When the NIST standard is optimally focused, close the dialog by clicking Exit. NOTE: If you have a RamanFlex 400F with two fiber optic probes, ensure that the probe not in use is covered.
84 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Additional Parts and Upgrades Safety and Calibration Part Description Number L1320262 Raman Laser Safety Kit (785 nm) Contains external interlock cable, laser glasses, laser detection card, and door warning label L1323503 Replacement Laser Keys...
86 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Maintenance The system does not require regular maintenance other than occasional checking and cleaning. Cleaning the Spectrometer and Power Supply Units Switch off the mains voltage and disconnect the mains cord before cleaning.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 87 Cleaning the Air Filters The air filters are located inside the top panel of the spectrometer module. You should clean the filters regularly. To clean the filters: 1. Switch off the instrument power supply unit. 2.
Maintenance and Service of the Fiber Optic Probe The FOP is designed to be maintenance free and should not be opened or adjusted by anyone other than a PerkinElmer Service Engineer. Contact PerkinElmer if you have any questions regarding maintenance or servicing of the FOP.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 89 Troubleshooting This section is a reference guide if you are having any problems with your instrument. Troubleshooting outlines what to do if your instrument or software malfunctions or crashes. Hardware Problem: During the installation procedure the USB devices are not recognized.
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90 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide 1. Select No, not this time and then click Next. The Found New Hardware Wizard page is displayed. NOTE: The Found New Hardware Wizard page may inform you that it is helping you install software for USB Device.
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Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 91 5. Click Finish. The Found New Hardware Wizard closes. Problem: Cannot collect data because an interlock is breached. Description This means that, for some reason, the interlock system is detecting an open circuit. Solution 1 Ensure all interlocks, including any remotely interlocked doors, are closed properly.
92 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide Software Problem Scan and Instrument Setup dialog stops responding. Description When you are using the Scan and Instrument Setup dialog, for some reason it stops working, that is, mouse clicks have no effect.
(8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST ) (+1) 203-925-4602 (outside the USA) Customer Care Canada: 800-561-4646 Customer Care EU: 0800 40 858 (Brussels) 0800 90 66 42 (Monza) If you are located outside of these regions, please call your local PerkinElmer sales office for more information.
Customer Care department in your region. http://las.perkinelmer.com/OneSource/Environmental-directives.htm Products from other manufacturers may also form a part of your PerkinElmer system. These other manufacturers are directly responsible for the collection and processing of their own waste products under the terms of the WEEE Directive. Please contact these manufacturers directly before discarding any of their products.
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