Confocal Raman Microscope

PURPOSE The research of materials science and engineering at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering is based on understanding the mechanisms of electrochemical reactions. Therefore, it is important to study the chemical composition, reaction environment, and surface-adsorbed intermediates of materials in situ / operando during an electrochemical reaction. For these purposes, a confocal Raman microscope ("Instrument") is sought. The Instrument is primarily intended for localized chemical analysis in situ during electrochemical reactions and for high-resolution Raman imaging in a multi-user research environment. SUMMARY Raman spectroscopy is a well-known technique for chemical analysis, where samples are identified by exciting them with a laser and detecting the scattered light. Raman spectroscopy can reveal information about the identity of substances, quantify composition, and analyze physical properties such as stress state or crystallinity. Confocal Raman microscopes enable high-resolution chemical and structural mapping of materials. Key components include excitation lasers, gratings (spectrometer), sample focusing optics, a motorized sample stage, a detector, and a computer control system. Furthermore, for in situ / operando analytics, it is important that the spectrometer can communicate with the potentiostat to enable in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements. DESCRIPTION OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED DEVICE COMPONENTS Instrument integration: The instrument is designed for routine use in standard laboratory lighting without degradation of measurement performance or the need for enclosure. The instrument must not require an optical table; the system must be lightweight and portable. Spectrometer: Continuous spectral coverage between 50 cm⁻¹ – 4000 cm⁻¹ (or better) at 532 nm. Spectral resolution of 1–2.5 cm⁻¹ or better. Laser power control is computer-controlled and continuous in the range of 0–100%. Fully automated and computer-controlled, interchangeable gratings. At least 3 gratings, one of which is for 600–900 lines/mm for a wide spectral range. Excitation lasers: The instrument must have integrated 532 nm and 785 nm lasers with software-based selection. Microscope: A true confocal microscope coupled to the spectrometer. The instrument must be able to automatically focus on the sample surface during Raman measurements without user adjustment. Three microscope objectives, one of which must be a 50× long working distance objective. The instrument must allow for the expansion of the objective selection with additional objectives. High-resolution built-in color video camera and light source for sample viewing. Automatic xyz stage, travel ranges in the xy plane: x = 60 mm (or better), y = 60 mm (or better). Detector: Peltier-cooled CCD (charge-coupled device). External trigger: The instrument must be able to communicate with an external potentiostat via triggering and/or software. Automation: All key components (stage, lasers, optical components including laser selection, wavelength switching, spectral configuration, and alignment validation) must be fully motorized and controllable by integrated software. The instrument must provide a fully automated, sample-independent auto-alignment and alignment verification procedure. Computer and software: All software must be compatible with Windows 10 or later. A software license for a separate post-processing workstation must be included. CPV: 38510000 Organisation: Aalto University Foundation sr