PerkinElmer RamanStation 400, Getting Started Manual

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94 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide
SOP-6: Sample Positioning using the Motorized XYZ
Sample Stage
You can use the Spectral Preview button in the Scan and Instrument Setup dialog 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. 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-4).
When the sample compartment lid is closed, the laser beam is allowed to reach the sample,
and laser radiation is prevented from escaping from within the sample compartment and into
the surrounding area. If the sample compartment cover is open then the laser cannot be
emitted from the instrument without deliberate intervention, due to the dual redundant
interlock system installed.
1. Follow SOP-1
to turn the instrument on.
2. Load the appropriate sample holder onto the XYZ sample accessory stage (SOP-5).
3. Ensure that the lens snout is correctly aligned for the current sample accessory (SOP-5).
4. Close the sample compartment lid.
5. Select Setup from the Instrument menu in Spectrum.
The Scan and Instrument Setup dialog is displayed.
6. Click Spectral
Preview.
The RamanStation 400 will start collecting data in the Spectral Preview window.
7. Click Stage Control to display controls to position the XYZ stage.
8. Click the arrows beside the motor position numbers in the Sample Position section.
9. 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.
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. The
following motors can be controlled in the Sample Position section.