BAC100B Raman Probe

Significance of the Topic

Raman spectroscopy provides a rapid, non-destructive means to identify materials and monitor chemical processes across industries. The BAC100B series Raman probe extends these capabilities by offering a robust, field-deployable sampling interface that simplifies measurements on solids, liquids, and packaged samples. Its versatile design addresses contamination control, low-wavenumber sensitivity, and adaptability to challenging environments, making it a valuable tool in process control, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and research applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note aims to present the design features, performance characteristics, and practical advantages of the BAC100B Raman probe. It covers the available optical configurations, mechanical construction, wavelength-specific variants, and optional adaptations for immersion and high-pressure measurements. The overview highlights how the probe integrates with portable Raman spectrometers to deliver reliable spectral data down to the fingerprint region near 65 cm⁻¹.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The BAC100B Raman probe family comprises interchangeable shafts and detachable distance regulators to maintain optimal focus while protecting the probe window. Key components include:

• Excitation fiber: 105 µm core, FC/PC–terminated, supporting laser lines at 532 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm.
• Collection fibers: standard models use 200 µm cores with SMA 905 terminations; high-throughput (HT) versions employ 300 µm cores with FC/PC connectors.
• Optical window: flat quartz (standard) or sapphire/fused silica options for unpressurized immersion (Kalrez O-ring seals) and RIS101 shafts for high-pressure/high-temperature applications.
• Probe shaft: 304 stainless steel, 9.42 mm diameter, 76.2 mm length, with user-replaceable shafts and customizable working distances (5.5–15.4 mm) tailored to each excitation wavelength.
• Temperature and storage limits: operating temperatures up to 280 °C; storage at 2–60 °C and 10–85 % RH (non-condensing).

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluation demonstrates:

• Spectral coverage: Raman shifts down to 65 cm⁻¹ for 532 nm and 785 nm models; 100 cm⁻¹ for the 1064 nm variant.
• Rayleigh rejection: optical density of 6 is standard, with OD 8 available for enhanced stray-light suppression.
• High throughput options increase signal collection efficiency by up to 50 % versus standard fibers, benefiting low-concentration analyses.
• Mechanical stability: corrosion-resistant materials and epoxy-sealed windows ensure long-term reliability even under harsh field conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The BAC100B probe offers:

• Flexibility for in situ measurements on powders, liquids, and packaged goods without sample removal.
• Modular design enabling rapid adaptation to different wavelengths, working distances, and environmental requirements.
• Enhanced sensitivity in the low-frequency region for detection of lattice modes, metal–ligand bonds, and phase transitions.
• Robust construction suitable for industrial hygiene, counterfeit detection, polymer and pharmaceutical analysis, and petrochemical monitoring.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in portable Raman spectroscopy point toward:

• Integration with automated process analytics and inline monitoring systems.
• Miniaturized probes for microscale and remote sensing in hazardous or constrained environments.
• Combined exploitation of deep-UV to NIR excitation for multimodal structural insights.
• Enhanced data analytics, including machine learning algorithms, for rapid material classification and anomaly detection.

Conclusion

The BAC100B Raman probe series delivers a highly adaptable, user-friendly sampling interface that enhances the performance of portable Raman spectrometers. Its optimized optical design, broad spectral coverage, and rugged construction make it an indispensable accessory for field and laboratory applications demanding reliable, low-frequency Raman data.

References

1. B&W Tek BAC100B Raman Probe Datasheet, Doc-Rev: 280001299-A, March 2021.
2. B&W Tek Application Notes, www.bwtek.com.