PerkinElmer RamanMicro 300 Series Getting Started Manual page 76

76 . RamanMicro 300 Getting Started Guide
11. If higher magnification is required, select the next most powerful objective lens on the
microscope.
The microscope is supplied with 5x, 20x and 50x objective lenses.
NOTE: Do not touch the glass of the objective lenses when you select the appropriate
magnification.
12. On the Hardware tab select the appropriate objective lens from the Beam path drop-
down list.
13. Focus on the sample and again move the stage in x and y directions to accurately
position the sample.
The crosshair indicates the spot where analysis takes place.
14. When the sample is correctly positioned, switch off the illumination source.
15. Select the Dark Field (DF) switch position on the Olympus illuminator module.
16. Click .
The RamanMicro 300 will start collecting data in the Spectral Preview window.
You can use Spectral Preview to help you position the 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. It can also be used to
enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of spectral data. The data displayed on screen during
a spectral preview cannot be saved. To save data you must collect spectra (SOP-7).
17. Set the Preview Scan time to 1 second and then press Enter.
This will automatically acquire another background. You can enter a Preview Scan time
in the range 0.1–10 seconds.
NOTE: You can also click Raman Focus Now to perform an automatic Raman focus on the
sample.
The sample may not be positioned and aligned correctly for optimized data collection. The
spectral data can be optimized by manipulation of the sampling accessory motors.
When you have optimized the signal you are ready to acquire data. For more information see
SOP-6 and SOP-7.
Remember, there is no "best" objective. High-magnification objective lenses give the most
efficient Raman collection from thin samples, like films or wafers, but low magnification
objectives are better for macro samples such as tablets, bulk plastics and tissue samples.
NOTE: Raman spectra are measured in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Room lights
and sunlight may contaminate your spectra. Take care not to misinterpret room lights
or sunlight features as Raman features.