Ocean Insight OCEANHDX RAMAN User manual

OCEANHDX
RAMAN
Quick Start Guide

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The HDX Raman is an Ocean HDX spectrometer that is designed for 785 nm Raman applications. The
High Definition optics of the HDX give great peak symmetry, very good resolution, and a high dynamic
range in a compact, affordable, and sensitive bench that excels in most Raman measurements. With the
locking Ethernet connector, the HDX Raman can be easily networked and controlled from different
locations in the lab and beyond. The HDX Raman also boasts an extended range providing more
fingerprint data.
Parts Included
•(1) Ocean HDX Raman Spectrometer
oOCEAN-HDX-RAMAN7: 785 nm Raman with 25 µm slit
or
oOCEAN-HDX-RAMAN7-HT: High-throughput 785 nm Raman with 50 µm slit
•25W 5VDC Wall Mount Power Supply with interchangeable power blades
•USB Cable with USB A Male and USB C Male ends
Specifications
For complete HDX specifications, please see the Ocean HDX User’s Manual at www.OceanInsight.com.
OCEAN-HDX-RAMAN7
OCEAN-HDX-RAMAN7-HT
Slit Size
25 µm
50 µm
Optical Resolution
Midpoint of Shift: 9 cm-1
Maximum: 13 cm-1
Midpoint of Shift: 12 cm-1
Maximum: 17 cm-1
Raman Shift Range
150 - 3400 cm-1
Raman Excitation Wavelength
785 nm
Setup
Prior to setting up for a Raman measurement, you first must configure your Ocean HDX spectrometer in
OceanView. For instructions, please reference the Ocean HDX User’s Manual at www.OceanInsight.com.

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Setting up for Raman
1. Install OceanView to ensure necessary drivers are loaded before connecting hardware.
2. Connect hardware components as outlined above, including:
oConnect the Raman probe fiber legs to the appropriate device (spectrometer or laser)
following the included labels.
▪Ensure threading is tight for optical stability
▪Ensure keyed-connector on laser is properly fitted (rotate to lock-in)
oMount the probe into the sample holder, securing with a setscrew
oPower the laser by turning the safety key in back of the unit
▪If the red display does not turn on, turn the red ‘emergency-shutoff’ knob
oConnect the HDX Raman to power and the computer using the provided cables
3. When you start OceanView, a Welcome screen appears. Select Spectroscopy Application Wizard
to navigate to the Spectroscopy Wizards. If OceanView is already running, you can access the
Spectroscopy Wizards by clicking the Create New Spectroscopy Application icon in the upper left
corner of the software window or via the File | Create new spectroscopy application menu item.
4. Select the Raman wizard and
OceanView will walk you
through the steps required to
setup your HDX Raman for
your measurements.
5. Select Active Acquisition
in the dialog box that
opens and click Next.
6. Set your acquisition
parameters in the next dialog
box and click Next. Additional
information on the acquisition
parameters can be found in the Glossary available on the Ocean Insight website. Note that the
Boxcar width should be kept as low as possible to ensure the highest resolution for the Raman
measurements. Values above 0 will apply some smoothing to the data degrading optical
resolution.
7. Configure your Raman measurement in the next dialog box.
oStore Background: Click the light bulb to store your Background Spectrum. Choose the
most meaningful background for your measurements.
▪For most Raman measurements the background is stored with the laser off
▪For certain SERS measurements the background is stored with the laser exciting
the SERS substrate before analyte has been added
oSet Laser Wavelength: Enter the laser wavelength in nm to display your x axis in Raman
Shift (cm-1). For the HDX Raman the laser wavelength should be set to 785 nm. Click
Apply after you have entered the laser wavelength.
oBackground Removal: Click the Apply Clean Peaks to Schematic box if you want to
automatically remove the background from your Raman spectrum. See the Tech Tip:

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Making the Most of Your Raman Data, on the Ocean Insight website, for additional
information on Clean Peaks and other tips for processing your Raman data.
oClick Finish and you are ready to acquire Raman spectra!
FAQ
The readings should start at 785 nm but I’m seeing the graph start at zero. Why is this, and what is the
cm-1 I’m seeing?
Raman emission is a relative energy shift referenced to the laser wavelength, which was the last step of
the Raman wizard. The cm-1 is referred to as Raman Shifts or Wavenumbers, and these will start at zero
based on the reference laser. An interesting feature of Raman is that you will see very similar emissions
from different wavelength systems (785 nm vs. 532 nm, for example) when converted to these
wavenumbers, despite the actual wavelengths being quite different.
What laser power should I use?
Laser power is application-dependent, so you may need some iterative tests to find the appropriate level.
If there is a specific power you are trying to achieve, we recommend using a laser power meter at the
probe output to determine the true power level. You can do this at multiple points to create a rough power
correlation for your system.
The laser is on but I’m not seeing any output from the Raman probe.
There is a manual shutter on the business-end of the Raman probe. Ensure this is switched open.
Why are there negative Raman Shift values in
the Raman spectrum? Or Why is my Raman
spectrum shifted in the RamanShiftView?
If you are seeing a shifted spectrum caused by
negative Raman Shift values in your
RamanShiftView like those shown in the image
on the right, please update your OceanView
software to version 2.08 or higher. The newer
software versions remove these negative values
from the Graph display after you have run the
Raman Wizard as shown in the screenshot
below.

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Questions?
Chat with us at oceaninsight.com.
[email protected]om • US [phone]
EUROPE [phone] • ASIA [phone]