PerkinElmer Raman IdentiCheck User manual

Raman IdentiCheck
Getting Started Guide
MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

Release History
Part Number Release Publication Date
L1321912 B February 2011
Any comments about the documentation for this product should be addressed to:
User Assistance
PerkinElmer
Chalfont Road
Seer Green
Beaconsfield
Buckinghamshire
HP9 2FX
United Kingdom
Or emailed to: [e-mail]
Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Except as specifically set forth in its terms and conditions of sale, PerkinElmer makes no
warranty of any kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
PerkinElmer shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential damages in
connection with furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Copyright Information
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright.
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever or
translated into any language without the prior, written permission of PerkinElmer, Inc.
Copyright © 2011 PerkinElmer, Inc.
Produced in the U.K.
Trademarks
Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such,
are protected by law.
PerkinElmer is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc.
Raman IdentiCheck and Spectrum are trademarks of PerkinElmer, Inc.

Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................5
About This Manual ............................................................................................ 6
Conventions Used in this Manual........................................................................ 7
Notes, Cautions and Warnings..................................................................... 7
Safety Practices .......................................................................................11
Overview.........................................................................................................12
General Operating Conditions............................................................................13
Storage.....................................................................................................14
Electrical Safety ...............................................................................................15
Electrical Protection ...................................................................................15
Power Supplies..........................................................................................15
Power Cord ...............................................................................................16
Fuses........................................................................................................16
EMC Compliance ..............................................................................................17
Laser Safety.....................................................................................................18
Class 3B Safety Precautions........................................................................19
General Laser Safety Issues .......................................................................20
Internal Interlock System...........................................................................22
External Interlock System ..........................................................................22
Warning Labels................................................................................................23
Safety Labels on the Raman IdentiCheck ....................................................23
Moving the Instrument.....................................................................................24
Siting the Instrument .......................................................................................25
Raman History, Theory and Instrumentation..........................................27
The History of Raman Spectroscopy..................................................................28
Raman Theory .................................................................................................29
Spectrometers .................................................................................................31
Spectrograph Detector Systems..................................................................32
Introduction to the Raman IdentiCheck..................................................35
Overview.........................................................................................................36
Raman IdentiCheck Specifications...............................................................37
Unpacking the Instrument ................................................................................38
Spectrometer Parts....................................................................................38
Optional Tablet PC.....................................................................................39
Triggered Fiber Optic Probe Parts...............................................................39
Spectrometer Module .......................................................................................40
Right-hand Panel.......................................................................................40
Left-hand Panel.........................................................................................41
Triggered Fiber Optic Probe (TFOP)...................................................................43
Analyzing Samples with the Probe ..............................................................44
Power Supply Unit............................................................................................46
Raman IdentiCheck PC .....................................................................................47
Commissioning your Instrument........................................................................48
Using the Raman IdentiCheck .................................................................51
Introduction.....................................................................................................52
General SOPs...................................................................................................53
SOP-1: Switching the IdentiCheck on..........................................................53
SOP-2: Packing up the Instrument after use................................................54
SOP-3: Setting-Up Experimental Parameters ...............................................55
SOP-4: Collecting a Spectrum with a Triggered Fiber Optic Probe.................56
Calibration and Performance Verification SOPs...................................................57
SOP-5: Calibration/Performance Verification................................................57
SOP-6: Wavelength Calibration Verification of the Raman IdentiCheck..........59
SOP-7: Wavelength Calibration of the Raman IdentiCheck ...........................60
SOP-8: Laser Frequency Calibration of the Raman IdentiCheck.....................61
SOP-9: Intensity Calibration of the Raman IdentiCheck................................62

Additional Parts and Upgrades..........................................................................64
Safety and Calibration ...............................................................................64
Triggered Fiber Optic Probe.......................................................................64
Other Probes and Options..........................................................................64
Maintenance and Troubleshooting ..........................................................65
Maintenance....................................................................................................66
Cleaning the Spectrometer and Power Supply Units ....................................66
Servicing the Spectrometer........................................................................67
Cleaning the Air Filters ..............................................................................67
Maintaining the Triggered Fiber Optic Probe ...............................................67
Cleaning the Triggered Fiber Optic Probe....................................................67
Replacing the Triggered Fiber Optic Probe..................................................68
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................70
Hardware .................................................................................................70
Software...................................................................................................70
Decontamination .............................................................................................71
WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products......................................................72
Appendix A: Using your own PC...............................................................73
Introduction....................................................................................................74
Configuring the PC...........................................................................................75
Installing Spectrum Software............................................................................76
Configuring Spectrum to use a Probe................................................................77

Introduction

6 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
About This Manual
This Getting Started Guide contains all of the information that you will need to setup your
Raman IdentiCheck and start collecting spectra.
The Getting Started Guide is divided into the following chapters:
Introduction
This chapter contains an overview of this manual, and the conventions and warnings used.
Safety Practices
This chapter outlines the electrical and laser safety issues. It also provides information on the
transportation of your Raman IdentiCheck to the site where it is to be used, and setting it up
ready for use once you get there. We recommend that all users read this chapter.
Raman History, Theory and Instrumentation
This chapter contains a brief overview of the history and theory of Raman spectroscopy.
Introduction to the Raman IdentiCheck
This chapter gives an overview of the instrument, and contains an introduction to the
spectrometer and the triggered fiber optic probe.
Using the Raman IdentiCheck
This chapter contains a number of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are a series
of procedures which describe how to perform certain tasks; for example, how to collect a
spectrum, or how to calibrate the spectrometer.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
This chapter contains information on how to maintain the system and solutions to problems
you may encounter.
Appendix A: Using your own PC
This appendix contains information on the steps you need to carry out if you intend using
your own PC with the Raman IdentiCheck.

Introduction . 7
Conventions Used in this Manual
Normal text is used to provide information and instructions.
Bold text refers to text that is displayed on the screen.
UPPERCASE text, for example ENTER or ALT, refers to keys on the PC keyboard. '+' is used
to show that you have to press two keys at the same time, for example, ALT+F.
All eight-digit numbers are PerkinElmer part numbers unless stated otherwise.
Notes, Cautions and Warnings
Three terms, in the following standard formats, are also used to highlight special
circumstances and warnings.
NOTE: A note indicates additional, significant information that is provided with some
procedures.

8 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
CAUTION
We use the term CAUTION to inform you about situations that could
result in serious damage to the instrument or other equipment. Details
about these circumstances are in a box like this one.
Caution (Achtung)
Bedeutet, daß die genannte Anleitung genau befolgt werden muß, um
einen Geräteschaden zu vermeiden.
Caution (Bemærk)
Dette betyder, at den nævnte vejledning skal overholdes nøje for at
undgå en beskadigelse af apparatet.
Caution (Advertencia)
Utilizamos el término CAUTION (ADVERTENCIA) para advertir sobre
situaciones que pueden provocar averías graves en este equipo o en
otros. En los recuadros como éste se proporciona información sobre
este tipo de circunstancias.
Caution (Attention)
Nous utilisons le terme CAUTION (ATTENTION) pour signaler les
situations susceptibles de provoquer de graves détériorations de
l'instrument ou d'autre matériel. Les détails sur ces circonstances
figurent dans un encadré semblable à celui-ci.
Caution (Attenzione)
Con il termine CAUTION (ATTENZIONE) vengono segnalate situazioni
che potrebbero arrecare gravi danni allo strumento o ad altra
apparecchiatura. Troverete informazioni su tali circostanze in un
riquadro come questo.
Caution (Opgelet)
Betekent dat de genoemde handleiding nauwkeurig moet worden
opgevolgd, om beschadiging van het instrument te voorkomen.
Caution (Atenção)
Significa que a instrução referida tem de ser respeitada para evitar a
danificação do aparelho.

Introduction . 9
WARNING
We use the term WARNING to inform you about situations that could
result in personal injury to yourself or other persons. Details about
these circumstances are in a box like this one.
Warning (Warnung)
Bedeutet, daß es bei Nichtbeachten der genannten Anweisung zu einer
Verletzung des Benutzers kommen kann.
Warning (Advarsel)
Betyder, at brugeren kan blive kvæstet, hvis anvisningen ikke
overholdes.
Warning (Peligro)
Utilizamos el término WARNING (PELIGRO) para informarle sobre
situaciones que pueden provocar daños personales a usted o a otras
personas. En los recuadros como éste se proporciona información sobre
este tipo de circunstancias.
Warning (Danger)
Nous utilisons la formule WARNING (DANGER) pour avertir des
situations pouvant occasionner des dommages corporels à l'utilisateur
ou à d'autres personnes. Les détails sur ces circonstances sont données
dans un encadré semblable à celui-ci.
Warning (Pericolo)
Con il termine WARNING (PERICOLO) vengono segnalate situazioni
che potrebbero provocare incidenti alle persone. Troverete
informazioni su tali circostanze in un riquadro come questo.
Warning (Waarschuwing)
Betekent dat, wanneer de genoemde aanwijzing niet in acht wordt
genomen, dit kan leiden tot verwondingen van de gebruiker.
Warning (Aviso)
Significa que a não observância da instrução referida poderá causar um
ferimento ao usuário.

10 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide

Safety Practices

12 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
Overview
This chapter contains details of safety practices. Everyone who is going to setup and/or use
the Raman IdentiCheck must read and follow the precautions before unpacking, installing or
using the instrument.
Before performing any of the operations outlined in this manual, read all of the safety
practices and instructions, and make sure that you understand the procedures explained.
If you do not understand any of the details regarding general safety precautions, please
contact PerkinElmer before proceeding.
All information provided herein is for reference only. All information is believed to be correct
and complete. PerkinElmer shall not be liable for errors contained herein nor damages
concerned with the use of this document. PerkinElmer does not accept liability for the
interpretation of information resulting, either directly or indirectly, from our spectrometers or
associated software interfaces. All results supplied by PerkinElmer’s spectrometers or
software are intended to provide initial determinations and results should be verified or
validated by using other appropriate techniques. All specifications and material contained in
this document are liable to change without notice. All safety information contained in this
document is superseded by governmental safety documents for your district or country; if in
doubt please consult American National Standards Institute’s Z136 series of laser safety
standards.

Safety Practices . 13
General Operating Conditions
WARNING
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified herein, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
The Raman IdentiCheck spectrometer has been designed and tested in accordance with
PerkinElmer specifications and in accordance with the safety requirements of the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The Raman IdentiCheck conforms to
IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use) as it applies to IEC Class 1 (earthed) appliances and therefore meets the
requirements of EC directive 2006/95/EC.
The instrument is designed to operate in a covered environment where it is sheltered from
weather conditions such as direct sunlight, rain, sleet and snow. The instrument is designed
to be shower-proof when the lid is closed.
The instrument has been designed to operate under the following conditions:
•Altitude up to 2000 m
•Ambient temperatures of 5 °C to 35 °C
The temperature range for optimal performance is 15 °C to 30 °C: this range being
defined by the requirements of NIST calibration.
•A maximum ambient relative humidity of 80% (non-condensing) for temperatures up to
35 °C.
NOTE: The performance of the instrument will be affected by the ambient temperature and
humidity. At elevated temperatures the internal camera may shut down in order to
prevent it being damaged. This is indicated by a beep.
•Mains fluctuations not exceeding ±10% of the nominal voltage.
If the electricity supply does not conform to these specifications, please consult PerkinElmer
prior to installation. If the supply of power is erratic please use an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS). Power fluctuations or brown-outs may damage the spectrometer power supply.
Avoid any adjustment, maintenance or repair of the opened, operating instrument. If any
adjustment, maintenance or repair of the opened instrument is necessary, this must be done
by a skilled person who is aware of the hazards involved.
CAUTION
The IdentiCheck must always be used with the lid of the transport case
open and the air filters clear of any obstruction.

14 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
Whenever it is likely that the Raman IdentiCheck is unsafe, make it inoperative. The Raman
IdentiCheck may be unsafe if it:
•Shows visible damage
•Fails to perform the intended measurement
•Has been subjected to prolonged storage in unfavorable conditions
•Has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
Storage
When not in use, the IdentiCheck should be stored, packed in its case, indoors, at a
temperature between −20 °C to 60 °C.
CAUTION
Do
NOT
store your IdentiCheck in a location that receives direct sunlight;
as elevated temperatures generated inside the case may damage the
electronics.
CAUTION
Do
NOT
store or transport your IdentiCheck turned upside down.

Safety Practices . 15
Electrical Safety
The Raman IdentiCheck spectrometer module comes assembled within a protective housing
to prevent exposure to electrical hazards.
WARNING
Removal of the protective housing or external panels is dangerous.
If the protective covers or service panels on the instrument appear to be
damaged, turn the instrument off, secure the instrument against any
unauthorized operation and contact PerkinElmer for advice before using it
again.
WARNING
Electrical hazard
To prevent potential injury to yourself and damage to the instrument,
switch OFF all components in the system and disconnect them from the
power supply before you alter, or make any new, electrical connections.
Electrical Protection
Insulation: Class I rating for external circuits. Only connect equipment that meets the
requirements of IEC 61010-1, IEC 60950 or equivalent standards.
Power Supplies
The Raman IdentiCheck is powered by one external power supply unit. The power supply
unit can adjust automatically to a variety of AC power sources as outlined in Table 1.
Table 1 Power supply unit input voltages and mains fluctuations information
Input Voltage Mains Fluctuations
100–230 V AC ±10% of the nominal voltage
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you attempt to disassemble the power
supply unit and carry out repairs. If the power supply unit has a fault,
please contact your PerkinElmer Service Engineer. The entire unit must be
replaced.
Connect the power supply unit to a three-wire (live, neutral and ground/earth) socket. The
ground must be a non-current carrying wire that is connected to the earth ground at the
main distribution box.
WARNING
Check the line voltage and frequency of the power point (socket) before
the instrument is connected or the power is switched on.

16 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
Power Cord
The power cord used to connect the instrument power supply unit to the power point
(socket) should be appropriate for the country listed as the shipping destination.
WARNING
If the power cord is not appropriate for your country it must be removed
from use immediately and replaced.
If the power cord has any physical damage it must be removed from use
immediately and replaced.
To avoid electrical hazards, the ground pin on the power cord should not
be interfered with in any way.
Fuses
The only fuses that you may have to replace are those in the mains power cords (UK only).

Safety Practices . 17
EMC Compliance
EC directive
The Raman IdentiCheck has been designed and tested to meet the requirements of the EC
directive 2004/108/EC. The Raman IdentiCheck complies with the EMC standard EN61326
(EMC standard for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use), and
EN55011 (ISM) class A (RF emissions).
FCC rules and regulations
This product is classified as a digital device used exclusively as industrial, commercial, or
medical test equipment. It is exempt from the technical standards specified in Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and Regulations based on Section 15.103(c).

18 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
Laser Safety
Details of the Raman IdentiCheck laser source are summarized are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2 Laser Specifications
Class 3B
Wavelength 785 nm
Power output 250 mW (max)
The Raman IdentiCheck complies with the requirements of IEC 60825-1:2007 and
21CFR 1040.10 FDA performance standards for laser products, except for deviations
pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated 26 July 2001.
WARNING
Use of controls or adjustments or the performance of any procedures
other than those specified in this document may result in exposure to
hazardous laser radiation.
WARNING
Removal of the protective housing or external panels is dangerous.
If the protective covers or service panels on the instrument appear to be
damaged, turn the instrument off, secure it against any unauthorized
operation and contact PerkinElmer for advice before using the instrument
again.
The triggered fiber optic probe (TFOP) provides a focused beam of laser radiation (100 mW
at 785 nm).
During normal operation laser radiation is accessible from the end of the probe. The output
energy should be enclosed whenever possible (using an enclosure or a beam attenuator) to
avoid unnecessary exposure to laser radiation.
WARNING
Avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.
WARNING
Do not look at the laser light or scattered laser light.
Use protective laser safety goggles, with an optical density (OD) of at
least 3 at 785 nm, as a precaution against accidental exposure to the
direct or reflected laser light. Suitable goggles are available from
PerkinElmer (part number L1323518).

Safety Practices . 19
Class 3B Safety Precautions
You should follow Class 3B laser safety precautions such as the use of door interlocks and
the wearing of laser safety goggles. For information on these precautions refer to an
appropriately trained laser safety officer within your own facility. Laser safety is very
important. Inappropriate use of laser emitting devices may result in permanent injury. In the
United States the precautions are described in the ANSI Z136.1-2000 Standard. For
information on the ANSI Z136 standard please consult your laser safety officer and/or consult
http://www.z136.org. Outside the United States the guidelines are described in PD IEC TR
60825-14 (Safety of laser products  Part 14: A user’s guide). You should also be familiar with
the guidelines published by the national authorities in your country.
The following information is provided as a general overview. This information is rudimentary
and is supplied to assist in the interpretation of this manual. Under no circumstances use this
information as the basis of a laser safety code of behavior:
1. Class 3B lasers may emit visible and/or invisible radiation up to a maximum of 0.5 W
continuous wave (CW is longer than 0.25 s). They present a hazard to the eye if the
direct beam or specular reflections are viewed without appropriate protection. You must
only operate Class 3B lasers in a designated area.
2. You must fit each Class 3B device with a captive key control switch, such that the key
cannot be removed from the lock except in the OFF position. The key should be
removed from the laser when it is not in use and kept in a safe place in the custody of a
nominated person. Keys must never be issued to unauthorized persons.
3. Each Class 3B device should be assessed by a suitably trained laser safety officer to
determine the accessible radiation emitted by the device. The laser safety officer should
consider laser power, wavelength and beam divergence when determining if the
Class 3B device’s remote interlock connector should be connected to an interlock switch
at the entrance. For certain laser systems, the laser safety officer may require the
shutter to be interlocked with the laboratory entrance in order to prevent inadvertent
exposure of persons entering to very hazardous laser radiation.
4. Rooms in which Class 3B devices are used should have notices affixed to the doors so
that they conform to the requirements of appropriate Laser Safety Regulations.

20 . Raman IdentiCheck Getting Started Guide
General Laser Safety Issues
Laser Keyswitch
There is a captive laser key control switch on the top panel of the Raman IdentiCheck. This
key is required to operate the laser. A laser safety officer should control the use of this key.
Laser Warning Labels
Laser warning labels are attached to the instrument for your safety. Please observe the
necessary precautions. For more details see
Warning Labels on page 23.
Triggered Fiber Optic Probe Safety
When attached to the Raman IdentiCheck, a triggered fiber optic probe (TFOP) provides a
focused beam of Class 3B laser radiation. During normal operation, laser radiation is
accessible from the end of the probe.
The following precautions must be observed at all times:
•Keep the protective cover in place on the probe tip when the probe is not in use.
If you are using the TFOP with a plastic spacer, always rotate the spacer so that the
screw is beneath the probe barrel when not in use; when in this position the spacer acts
as a lens cap.
•Never look directly into the laser beam or at the laser light scattered from a reflective
surface or sample. Permanent eye-injury may result. Do NOT attempt to examine the
probe tip when the Path Active light on the probe is lit.
•Post warning signs near the laser operating areas.
•Controlled access areas, limited to individuals trained in the safe operation of lasers, are
suggested for laser operations.
•When the probe is in use, always ensure that no stray laser radiation is directed at
people in the vicinity.
•Use protective laser safety goggles, with an optical density (OD) of at least 3 at 785 nm,
as a precaution against accidental exposure to the direct or reflected laser light. Suitable
goggles are available from PerkinElmer (part number L1323518).
•Do not use the TFOP if it shows any sign of damage.
•If repair or servicing is needed, call your PerkinElmer Service Representative for advice.