Metrohm MIRA Cal M Tutorial

Significance of Topic

The integration of handheld Raman analyzers with mobile applications transforms field-based chemical analysis. By combining the Metrohm Instant Raman Analyzer (MIRA XTR DS / MIRA DS) with the MIRA Cal M Android app, users gain rapid, nondestructive identification of substances, streamlined data management and reporting, and real-time decision support in quality control, environmental monitoring, safety inspections and emergency response scenarios.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document describes the functionality, installation and operation of the MIRA Cal M mobile application for Android devices (versions 8.0–11.0) paired via Bluetooth® with MIRA XTR DS / MIRA DS firmware 8.0.1.136 or higher. It covers:

• App installation and device pairing
• Instrument calibration and system suitability testing
• Sample acquisition, processing and library management
• Data export and integration with external systems (e-mail, HazMasterG3®)

Methodology and Instrumentation

The MIRA Cal M app serves as a user interface to control the handheld Raman unit. Key elements include:

• Device pairing via Bluetooth® and PIN authentication
• Calibration standard attachment and auto-calibration routines
• Acquisition parameters (laser power, integration time, averages, multi-scan)
• Optional Autofocus Stand-off Attachment for distance control
• On-device libraries for spectral matching and mixture analysis

Main Results and Discussion

The app offers seamless workflows:

• Instrument calibration and system suitability tests verify performance before analysis
• Flexible acquisition modes support continuous or defined-count scans
• Spectral matching against onboard or imported libraries yields identification and mixture matches with user adjustable thresholds
• Comprehensive sample management: metadata capture (location, photo), overlay, reprocessing, filtering and deletion
• Library creation and import via e-mail or local files
• Data export in full or summary report formats, integration with HazMasterG3® for chemical hazard assessment

Benefits and Practical Applications

MIRA Cal M accelerates onsite chemical screening by:

• Eliminating manual record-keeping through automatic sample download and metadata logging
• Ensuring compliance with safety standards via built-in warning messages and SOP enforcement
• Enabling remote collaboration through e-mail, cloud storage or HazMasterG3®
• Supporting multiple user profiles, languages and custom report templates

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advancements may include:

• Edge AI for real-time spectral interpretation and anomaly detection
• Expanded cloud-based spectral libraries with collaborative curation
• Integration with geospatial information systems for mapping contamination events
• Enhanced cybersecurity and user authentication layers
• Support for emerging portable spectroscopic modalities (FTIR, NIR)

Conclusion

MIRA Cal M paired with MIRA XTR DS / MIRA DS provides a robust, mobile Raman spectroscopy solution for rapid, reliable substance identification. Its intuitive interface, flexible acquisition settings and comprehensive data management capabilities make it an essential tool for field analytical chemists and safety professionals.

Instrument Used

• Metrohm Instant Raman Analyzer MIRA XTR DS / MIRA DS
• Android device (OS 8.0–11.0) with Bluetooth®
• Autofocus Stand-off Attachment (optional)

References

• Metrohm Raman. MIRA Cal M Tutorial 8.0105.8023EN, 2021-09-15
• Metrohm Raman. MIRA DS Manual 8.926.8001EN
• Metrohm Raman. MIRA XTR DS Manual 8.0926.8005EN