Ahura Scientific
	Handheld chemical identification by Raman spectroscopy Ahura Scientific, has developed breakthrough technology in ultra-compact optical systems and is leading the revolution in rugged optical instrumentation for homeland security, military, life sciences, pharmaceutical, industrial, and communications markets.

Raman spectroscopy until now has been hindered due to the high cost and poor user-friendliness of the old Raman technology.

With the advent of recent major advances in technology, Renishaw have revolutionised Raman spectroscopy globally with a patented easy to use, compact and inexpensive Raman Imaging Microscope based on a novel high efficiency spectrometer design, ultra low noise CCD detectors and air cooled low power lasers. Further pressure from industry has seen the recent development of fibre optic Raman analysers for in-situ process monitoring and laboratory use. Indeed, in the past couple of years dispersive Raman spectroscopy has now been internationally recognised as one of the compelling technologies of the future.

What is Raman Spectroscopy?
Raman spectroscopy involves the interaction of light with matter. Incident laser light causes the bonds between atoms to vibrate. Analysis of the scattered light, as a Raman spectrum, acts as a molecular fingerprint revealing information about a sample's chemical structure and physical state.

The key attributes of the method, are:

• non-destructive analysis of solids, liquids and gases
• 1µm spatial resolution when coupled to a microscope (100nm with a Raman SNOM system)
• rapid sample identification - typically a few seconds
• routine and easy to use with no sample preparation required
• automatic mapping (1µm step) of inhomogenous samples
• remote sampling possibilities with fibre optic probes
• unique characterisation of the samples

Applications

• Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy
• Semiconductors; wide band gap materials, GaN, Si, strain and contaminent mapping
• Superconductors; oxygen content and uniformity
• Hard coatings; DLC, nitrides
• Polymers
• Minerals and gemstones; rapid software identification, inclusions, 600+ database
• Forensic science; drugs, clays, glasses, fibres, explosives
• Corrosion studies and electrochemistry
• Materials science
• Pharmaceuticals; formulation mixing, analysis of inhomogenieties and blended materials

Without any pre-treatment, Raman mapping techniques with spatial resolution down to 100nm scale provides a detailed structural analysis on the distribution in blends and mixtures of excipients and actives, in formulated products. New applications of Renishaw's Raman System include rapid Raman spectral analysis of DNA base units using ultraviolet laser excitation, non-destructive imaging inside live cells, photodynamic therapy dye and drug distribution (Fig 3.), imaging and identification of pharmaceutical mixtures, polymer identification, polymorphism and contamination analysis is also routine.

Instruments
The Renishaw laboratory model System 1000 is designed for the majority of users. Combined with a dedicated Leica microscope, it offers maximum flexibility in accessories such as XYZ automated mapping stages, hot/cold environmental cells, macro-sampling, high pressure cells, electrochemical cells and can be easily modified for unusual sample configurations. A variety of interchangeable excitation lasers are available including Ar+, HeNe, diode and UV sources.

The compact design fits easily onto a standard laboratory bench. A ruggedised fully enclosed system, with additional safety interlocks, is designed for use in industrial environments, and the new fibre optic System 100 is designed for laboratory and in-situ process monitoring.

For more information on these products please contact us at Warsash Scientific.