i-Raman Plus Portable Raman Spectrometer & Video Microscope

Importance of the Topic

Raman spectroscopy has become an indispensable tool for both qualitative and quantitative molecular analysis in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental monitoring and forensic investigations. Portable Raman systems expand its use beyond centralized labs, enabling point-of-need analysis with laboratory-grade performance.

Objectives and Article Overview

This application note presents the i-Raman® Plus portable Raman spectrometer and video microscope from B&W Tek (a Metrohm Group Company). It highlights system features designed for robustness, ease of use and high-resolution data acquisition under diverse sampling conditions.

Methodology

The i-Raman Plus utilizes fiber-coupled probes and video microscopy to collect Raman spectra in situ. Patented CleanLaze® laser stabilization ensures consistent excitation power, adjustable from 1 % to 100 % in 1 % increments. Broad spectral coverage starting at 65 cm⁻¹ allows detection of low-frequency vibrational modes. High quantum efficiency CCD detection with optional cooling to –2 °C supports integration times from 100 ms to 30 minutes for both rapid screening and trace-level quantification.

Used Instrumentation

• Excitation lasers: 532 nm (30 mW) and 785 nm (340 mW) with CleanLaze stabilization
• Fiber-optic probe coupling with interchangeable sampling accessories
• Spectrometer variants covering 65–4200 cm⁻¹ or 65–3400 cm⁻¹ with spectral resolution down to 3.5 cm⁻¹
• High-sensitivity CCD array detector, cooled to –2 °C
• Power: 12 V DC adaptor (6.6 A) or optional battery
• Physical dimensions: 16.9 × 33.3 × 24.2 cm; weight ~5.0 kg
• Operating environment: 0 °C to 35 °C, 10 %–85 % RH (non-condensing)

Main Findings and Discussion

The i-Raman Plus system delivers high spectral resolution (< 3.5 cm⁻¹) across a broad Raman shift range, enabling detection of both low- and high-frequency bands. Fiber coupling and video microscopy facilitate precise sample targeting in solids, liquids and heterogeneous matrices. The CleanLaze technology dramatically reduces laser power fluctuations, improving reproducibility of both qualitative fingerprinting and quantitative analyses.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Point-of-need analysis with laboratory-grade data quality
• Versatile sampling via fiber-optic probes for field, process or QA/QC environments
• Flexibility in regulated and non-regulated workflows using optional software modules
• Rapid, non-destructive measurements ideal for material identification, contamination checks and reaction monitoring

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in detector sensitivity, miniaturized lasers and AI-driven spectral interpretation will further extend portable Raman capabilities. Integration with cloud-based databases and real-time chemometric models promises automated identification and quantification in complex matrices. Emerging applications include in-field pharmaceutical authentication, on-site environmental pollutant screening and handheld forensic analysis.

Conclusion

The i-Raman Plus portable Raman spectrometer represents a robust, high-resolution solution for on-demand molecular analysis. Its combination of stabilized laser power, broad spectral coverage and fiber-optic versatility supports a wide spectrum of qualitative and quantitative tasks outside the traditional laboratory setting.