PerkinElmer RamanFlex 400 Series User manual

RamanFlex 400 Series
Getting Started Guide
MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

2 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Release History
Part Number Release Publication Date
L1321840 D May 2009
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
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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 © 2009 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.

RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide . 3
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
Environmental Conditions .................................................................................14
Fire Safety.......................................................................................................15
Electrical Safety ...............................................................................................16
Electrical Protection ...................................................................................16
Power Supplies..........................................................................................17
Power Cords (Between PSU and Power Outlet Socket).................................18
EMC Compliance ..............................................................................................19
Laser Safety.....................................................................................................20
Class 3B Safety Precautions........................................................................21
General Laser Safety Issues .......................................................................21
Internal Interlock System...........................................................................24
External Interlock System ..........................................................................24
Warning Labels................................................................................................25
Labels on the Exterior of the RamanFlex 400/400F......................................25
Fuses ..............................................................................................................26
Raman History, Theory and Instrumentation..........................................27
The History of Raman Spectroscopy ..................................................................28
Raman Theory .................................................................................................29
The RamanFlex 400 Series................................................................................31
Spectrograph Detector Systems..................................................................32
Preparing your Facility.............................................................................35
Specifications...................................................................................................36
PC Requirements..............................................................................................37
Hardware Requirements.............................................................................37
Software Requirements..............................................................................37
Windows Administrator Level .....................................................................37
Finding a Suitable Location for the Instrument...................................................38
Instrument Dimensions.....................................................................................39
Installing your RamanFlex 400................................................................41
Unpacking the Instrument ................................................................................42
Lifting the Instrument.......................................................................................43
Attaching the External Interlock Override...........................................................44
Unpacking and Assembling the PC.....................................................................45
Switching on the Instrument.............................................................................46
Installing Spectrum Software ............................................................................47
Before you Start........................................................................................47
Installation Procedure................................................................................48
Moving the Instrument.....................................................................................60
Introduction to the RamanFlex 400 ........................................................61
Spectrometer Front Panel (Console)..................................................................62
General Overview of the Fiber Optic Probe.........................................................63
Attaching and Removing the Fiber Optic Probe...................................................64
Attaching the FOP......................................................................................64
Removing the FOP.....................................................................................65
Acquiring Spectra with the Fiber Optic Probe .....................................................66
Sampling Solids.........................................................................................66
Sampling Liquids .......................................................................................66

4 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Using the RamanFlex 400........................................................................69
Introduction ....................................................................................................70
General SOPs ..................................................................................................71
SOP-1: Switching the System On ...............................................................71
SOP-2: Turning the Instrument Off ............................................................72
SOP-3: Setting-Up and Saving Experimental Parameters..............................72
SOP-4: Defining Scan Parameters and Starting Data Collection ....................75
Fiber Optic Probe SOPs....................................................................................76
SOP-5: Selecting the Fiber Optic Probe.......................................................76
SOP-6: Sample Positioning when using a Fiber Optic Probe .........................77
Calibration and Performance Verification SOPs ..................................................78
SOP-7: Calibration/Performance Verification ...............................................78
SOP-8: Wavelength Calibration Verification of the RamanFlex 400 ...............80
SOP-9: Wavelength Calibration of the RamanFlex 400.................................81
SOP-10: Laser Frequency Calibration of the RamanFlex 400 ........................82
SOP-11: Intensity Calibration of the RamanFlex 400....................................82
Summary..................................................................................................83
Additional Parts and Upgrades..........................................................................84
Safety and Calibration ...............................................................................84
Fiber Optic Probes.....................................................................................84
Maintenance and Troubleshooting ..........................................................85
Maintenance....................................................................................................86
Cleaning the Spectrometer and Power Supply Units ....................................86
Cleaning the Air Filters ..............................................................................87
Servicing the Spectrometer........................................................................88
Maintenance and Service of the Fiber Optic Probe.......................................88
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................89
Hardware .................................................................................................89
Software...................................................................................................92
Decontamination .............................................................................................93
WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products......................................................94

Introduction

6 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
About This Manual
This Getting Started Guide contains all of the information that you will need to setup your
RamanFlex 400 Series Raman Spectrometer and start collecting spectra.
The Getting Started Guide is divided into the following chapters:
Introduction
This chapter contains an overview of the manual, and the conventions and warnings used in
the manual.
Safety Practices
This chapter outlines the electrical and laser safety issues. 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.
Preparing your Facility
This chapter shows you how to position your RamanFlex 400, and what utilities are required,
for example electricity, temperature control.
Installing your RamanFlex 400
This chapter contains step by step instructions about how to unpack and assemble your
RamanFlex 400, and how to install the software.
Introduction to the RamanFlex 400
This chapter gives an overview of the instrument.
Fiber Optic Probe
This chapter contains an introduction to the Fiber Optic Probe.
Using the RamanFlex 400
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 solutions to problems you may encounter.

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.
The term RamanFlex 400 Series means the RamanFlex 400 and the RamanFlex 400F Raman
Spectrometers.
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 . RamanFlex 400 Series 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 recuadros 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 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide

Safety Practices

12 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Overview
This chapter contains details of the safety precautions. Everyone who is going to install
and/or use the spectrometer 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
The RamanFlex 400 and RamanFlex 400F spectrometers have been designed and tested in
accordance with PerkinElmer specifications and in accordance with the safety requirements
of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The RamanFlex 400 Series 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.
Only use the RamanFlex 400 Series indoors and under the following conditions:
Temperature 15 °C to 30 °C
Relative Humidity 75% maximum (non-condensing)
WARNING
If the equipment will be used at temperatures exceeding 35oC, we
recommend that you contact your PerkinElmer Service Representative
and request a visit to optimize the instrument performance for such
elevated temperatures.
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 hazard involved.
Whenever it is likely that the RamanFlex 400 Series instrument is unsafe, make it inoperative.
The RamanFlex 400 Series 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.

14 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Environmental Conditions
The instrument has been designed to be safe under the following conditions:
•Indoor use;
•Altitude up to 2000 m;
•Ambient temperatures of 5 °C to 40 °C;
•A maximum ambient relative humidity of 80% for temperatures up to 31 °C, decreasing
linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40 °C;
•Mains fluctuations not exceeding ±10% of the nominal voltage.
WARNING
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified herein, the
protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Safety Practices . 15
Fire Safety
•Ensure that there is at least 15 cm (6”) between any cooling vents and adjacent
equipment or walls.
•Ensure that the power supply unit (PSU) vents or fan do not become obstructed
(Figure 1).
Figure 1 Power supply unit
Fan
Vents

16 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Electrical Safety
The spectrometer module comes assembled within a protective housing to prevent exposure
to electrical hazards. There are also a number of exterior service panels that you should
remove only if you are cleaning the air filters. For more information see
Cleaning the Air
Filters
on page 87.
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.
Installation Category: The instruments are able to withstand transient overvoltages typically
present on the MAINS supply. The normal level of transient overvoltages is impulse
withstand (overvoltage) category II of IEC 60364-4-443.
Pollution Degree 2: Normally only non-conductive POLLUTION occurs. Occasionally, however,
a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.

Safety Practices . 17
Power Supplies
The RamanFlex 400 and RamanFlex 400F are powered by one external PSU (Figure 1). The
PSU used with the spectrometer can adjust automatically to a variety of AC power sources as
outlined in Table 1. For information on line frequency and current please review the rating
plate on the PSU.
Table 1 PSU input voltages and mains fluctuations information
Input Voltage Mains Fluctuations
100–240 VAC ±10% of the nominal voltage
NOTE: If you have a deep depletion CCD installed in your RamanFlex 400, the instrument
will be powered by two external PSUs.
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you attempt to disassemble the PSU and
carry out repairs. If the PSU has a fault, please contact your PerkinElmer
Service Engineer. The entire unit must be replaced.
Connect the PSU 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. The power point (socket) for the instrument PSU should be easily accessible for when
the instrument is serviced.
WARNING
Check the line voltage and frequency of the power point (socket) before
the instrument is connected or the power is switched on. This should be
carried out prior to the installation of the instrument and at any time the
instrument is plugged into a different power point (socket).

18 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Power Cords (Between PSU and Power Outlet Socket)
The power cord supplied to connect the instrument PSU 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.

Safety Practices . 19
EMC Compliance
EC directive
The RamanFlex 400 and RamanFlex 400F have been designed and tested to meet the
requirements of the EC directive 2004/108/EC. The RamanFlex 400 Series 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).

20 . RamanFlex 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Laser Safety
The RamanFlex 400 Series 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 RamanFlex 400 Series are classified as Class 3B. The FOP provides a focused beam of
laser radiation at 785 nm. This type of laser radiation is classified as a Class 3B laser source.
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).