PerkinElmer RamanMicro 200 Series, Getting Started Manual

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Using the RamanMicro 200 Series . 61
4. If you have a standard probe, remove the DIN connector in the socket marked
LED FIBER 2.
OR
If you have a triggered probe, disconnect the USB extender cable from the USB port on
your PC.
5. Carefully remove the retained ends of the FOP by unscrewing and pulling the cables
away from the couplers perpendicularly.
Be extremely careful when removing the FOP as you can easily damage the instrument
and the fiber optic cables.
6. Replace the protective plastic caps on the fiber ends of the FOP that have been
removed from the rear panel.
7. Fasten the retained screw-in caps onto the couplers on the rear panel.
8. Reconnect the power cables.
Acquiring Spectra with the Fiber Optic Probe
The Raman fiber optic probe 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.
Sampling Solids
Solids can be analyzed by mounting the probe on a stand and adjusting the focal spot on the
surface of the sample. Whenever possible, powders should be compacted down and thin
films of materials should be folded so that the sample covers the entire depth of field. Solids
can be analyzed in glass and plastic containers, similar to liquid samples.
NOTE: Raman spectra are measured in the visible and near-infrared region. Room lights and
sunlight will contaminate your spectra. Take care not to misinterpret room lights or
sunlight features as Raman features.
Sampling Liquids
Liquid samples can be analyzed by immersing the FOP in the liquid of interest or by analyzing
through the container.
Immersion
The FOP can only be immersed in liquid if you have purchased an immersible fiber probe
sleeve. Do not totally submerge the probe. It is only acceptable to immerse the probe up to
1 inch from the top of the sleeve. It may be useful to focus the sample by sliding the FOP
inside the immersion sleeve to obtain the best spectrum. Note that immersion sleeves
contain either quartz or sapphire windows. These windows can yield a detailed Raman
spectrum – do not confuse this with the spectrum of the sample.