PerkinElmer RamanStation 400 Series User manual

RamanStation 400 Series
Getting Started Guide
MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

Release History
Part Number Release Publication Date
L1321908 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.
RamanStation 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
Fire Safety.......................................................................................................14
Electrical Safety ...............................................................................................15
Electrical Protection ...................................................................................15
Power Supplies..........................................................................................15
Power Cords (Between PSU and Power Outlet Socket).................................16
Fuses........................................................................................................16
EMC Compliance ..............................................................................................17
Laser Safety.....................................................................................................18
Class 3B Safety Precautions........................................................................18
General Laser Safety Issues .......................................................................19
Internal Interlock System...........................................................................23
External Interlock System ..........................................................................24
Warning Labels................................................................................................25
Labels on the Exterior of the RamanStation 400F.........................................25
Labels on the Exterior of the RamanStation 400 ..........................................26
Raman History, Theory and Instrumentation..........................................27
Raman Theory .................................................................................................28
The RamanStation 400 Series ...........................................................................30
Spectrograph Detector Systems..................................................................32
Preparing Your Facility ............................................................................35
Specifications...................................................................................................36
Spectrometer ............................................................................................36
Stage Controller ........................................................................................36
Electricity supply........................................................................................36
Finding a Suitable Location for the Instrument...................................................37
Instrument Dimensions.....................................................................................38
Installing Your RamanStation 400 Series................................................39
Unpacking the Instrument ................................................................................40
Lifting the Instrument.......................................................................................42
Preparing the Motorized XYZ Stage ...................................................................43
Attaching the External Interlock Override...........................................................45
Attaching the Fiber Port Cover Assembly ...........................................................46
Installing the Instrument in the Software...........................................................47
Switching on the Instrument.............................................................................48
Moving the Instrument.....................................................................................50
Motorized XYZ Stage..................................................................................50
Triggered Probe Holster.............................................................................50
Introduction to the RamanStation 400 Series.........................................53
Spectrometer Front Panel .................................................................................54
Sample Compartment.......................................................................................55
Motorized XYZ Stage Controller and Joystick......................................................56
Sample Accessories (for Motorized XYZ Stage)...................................................57

Fiber Optic Probe .....................................................................................59
Important: Read This First ...............................................................................60
Fiber Optic Probe (FOP) ...................................................................................61
General Overview of the Fiber Optic Probe .................................................61
Attaching and Removing the Fiber Optic Probe..................................................62
Attaching the FOP.....................................................................................62
Removing the FOP ....................................................................................63
Acquiring Spectra with the Fiber Optic Probe.....................................................64
Sampling Solids.........................................................................................64
Sampling Liquids.......................................................................................64
Using the RamanStation 400...................................................................67
Introduction ....................................................................................................68
General SOPs ..................................................................................................69
SOP-1: Turning the Instrument On.............................................................69
SOP-2: Turning the Instrument Off ............................................................70
SOP-3: Installing and Changing Sampling Holders.......................................71
SOP-4: Setting-Up Experimental Parameters and Collecting Data .................74
SOP-5: Sample Positioning using the Motorized XYZ Stage ..........................76
Fiber Optic Probe SOPs....................................................................................78
SOP-6: Selecting the Fiber Optic Probe.......................................................78
SOP-7: Sample Positioning when using a Fiber Optic Probe .........................................79
Calibration and Performance Verification SOPs ..................................................80
SOP-8: Calibration/Performance Verification ...............................................80
SOP-9: Wavelength Calibration Verification.................................................81
SOP-10: Wavelength Calibration ................................................................83
SOP-11: Laser Frequency Calibration..........................................................84
SOP-12: Intensity Calibration.....................................................................85
Summary..................................................................................................87
Additional Parts and Upgrades..........................................................................88
Sampling Accessories ................................................................................88
SERS Consumables ...................................................................................89
Safety and Calibration ...............................................................................89
Fiber Optic Probes.....................................................................................90
Maintenance and Troubleshooting ..........................................................91
Maintenance....................................................................................................92
Cleaning the Spectrometer and Power Supply Units ....................................92
Servicing the Spectrometer........................................................................93
Servicing the Fiber Optic Probe..................................................................93
Replacing the Stage Controller Fuse...........................................................94
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................95
Hardware .................................................................................................95
Software...................................................................................................95
Decontamination .............................................................................................97
WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products......................................................98

Introduction

6 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide
About This Manual
This Getting Started Guide contains all of the information that you will need to set up your
RamanStation 400 Series Raman Spectrometer, and then 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.
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 RamanStation 400 Series instrument, and what
utilities are required; for example, electricity and temperature control.
Installing your RamanStation 400 Series
This chapter contains step-by-step instructions about how to unpack and assemble your
RamanStation 400 Series instrument and information on installing your instrument in the
software.
Introduction to the RamanStation 400 Series
This chapter describes how to use the instrument with Spectrum software.
Fiber Optic Probe
This chapter contains an introduction to the fiber optic probe.
Using the RamanStation 400
This chapter contains a number of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are a series
of procedures that 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.

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 RamanStation 400 Series means the RamanStation 400 and the
RamanStation 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 . RamanStation 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 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 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide

Safety Practices

12 . RamanStation 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
WARNING
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified herein, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
The RamanStation 400 Series 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 RamanStation 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 RamanStation 400 Series spectrometers indoors and under the following
conditions:
Temperature 15 °C to 30 °C
Relative Humidity 80% maximum (non-condensing)
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.
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.
Whenever it is likely that the RamanStation 400 Series instrument is unsafe, make it
inoperative. The RamanStation 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 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Fire Safety
•Ensure that there is at least 15 cm (6”) between the rear of the instrument and the
nearest wall.
•Ensure that any power supply unit (PSU) vents or fan do not become obstructed.

Safety Practices . 15
Electrical Safety
The spectrometer comes assembled within a protective housing to prevent exposure to
electrical hazards. There are also a number of exterior service panels that should only be
removed by PerkinElmer Service Engineers.
WARNING
Removal of the protective housing or external panels, other than for
maintenance procedures specifically described in this manual, is
dangerous and is not recommended under any circumstances.
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
line 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 RamanStation 400 Series instruments and the stage control box (for motorized XYZ
stage only) are each powered by an external PSU. The PSUs used with the spectrometer
(Table 1) and stage controller box can adjust automatically to a variety of AC power sources.
Table 1 PSU input voltages and mains fluctuations information
Input Voltage Mains Fluctuations
100–230 V AC ±10% of the nominal voltage
NOTE: If you have a deep depletion CCD installed in your RamanStation 400 Series, 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.

16 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Connect the PSUs to a three-wire (live, neutral and ground/earth) socket. The ground must
be a wire not carrying current that is connected to the earth ground at the main distribution
box. The power points (sockets) for the instrument PSUs 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).
Power Cords (Between PSU and Power Outlet Socket)
The power cords supplied to connect the instrument PSUs to the power points (sockets)
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 plugs of the mains power cords
(UK-type plug only) and the stage controller box fuse.

Safety Practices . 17
EMC Compliance
EC directive
The RamanStation 400 Series instruments have been designed and tested to meet the
requirements of the EC directive 2004/108/EC. The RamanStation 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).

18 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide
Laser Safety
The RamanStation 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.
The RamanStation 400 is classified as Class 1. The laser shutter is automatically closed if the
sample compartment cover is opened. The RamanStation 400F is Class 3B because when the
fiber optic probe (FOP) is attached it provides a focused beam of laser radiation at 785 nm
which 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.
NOTE: If the supplied fiber port cover assembly (L1320263) is attached so that it encloses
the fiber probe couplers on the rear panel, the instrument may be regarded as a
Class 1 laser product. For more information see Attaching the Fiber Port Cover
Assembly on page 46.
WARNING
Avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. Do not look at the laser light or
scattered laser light.
Class 3B Safety Precautions
When using the fiber optic probe you should follow Class 3B laser safety precautions such as
wearing laser safety goggles and using door interlocks. For information on these precautions
please 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.
NOTE: In certain circumstances when the probe is permanently fixed in a closed
environment, for example inside a sealed reaction vessel, the device can be defined
as Class 1. Please refer to an appropriately trained laser safety officer within
your own facility.

Safety Practices . 19
The following information is provided as a general overview only. 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 spectral 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.
If you have a fiber optic probe then please refer to
Attaching the External Interlock and
Calculation of Nominal Hazard Zones for use of Fiber Optic Probe for information on safe
operating distances when using the fiber optic probe.
General Laser Safety Issues
Laser Keyswitch
There is a captive laser key control switch on the rear panel. This key is required to operate
the laser. A laser safety officer or laboratory manager 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 25.
Fiber Optic Probe Safety
NOTE: This section is only applicable to RamanStation 400F systems equipped with a fiber
optic probe.
The fiber optic probe body incorporates a number of important safety features, including:
•Beam attenuator/cover
•Emission Indicator/LED.

20 . RamanStation 400 Series Getting Started Guide
When attached to the spectrometer, the fiber optic probe provides a focused beam of
Class 3B laser radiation. During normal operation, laser radiation is accessible from the end
of the fiber optic probe. The LED emission indicator (Figure 1) at the probe head is
configured so that the LED lights up when the laser is turned on, indicating that laser
radiation is emitting from the probe aperture. The LED emission indicator is visible through
laser safety goggles. The output energy should be enclosed whenever possible (using a
beam attenuator/cover) to avoid unnecessary exposure. The laser should also be turned off
and the probe cap replaced when the system is not in use. AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO
THE BEAM.
Figure 1 Schematic of the fiber optic probe (not to scale)
When using the fiber optic probe, the following precautions must always be observed:
•Use an interlock switch on the door to the laboratory and/or the reaction vessel when
you are using a fiber optic probe.
•Never look directly into the laser beam or at the laser light scattered from a reflective
surface or sample.
•Avoid direct exposure to the laser light.
•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.
•Use protective laser safety goggles, with an OD (optical density) 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 (L1323518).
Emission indicator
(Green LED) Probe body
Beam attenuator / cover
Fiber optic cable
Aperture label