Photonwares PeakSeeker User manual

Benchtop Raman Spectrometer
PeakSeeker User Manual
Version 2.0
1/3/2021
Document Number: UM20210103.002

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Table of Contents
1. Laser Safety and Precautions................................................................................. 4
2. Software and Drivers installation........................................................................... 5
2.1 Software Installation..........................................................................................5
2.2 Spectrometer Driver Installation........................................................................8
2.3 System Main board Driver Installation ............................................................ 14
3. User interface and operation ................................................................................ 22
3.1 Quick Guide.................................................................................................... 22
3.2 Power up the instrument................................................................................. 22
3.3 Operate RSIQ Software.................................................................................. 24
3.3.1 Start the software...................................................................................... 24
3.3.2 Main Screen ............................................................................................. 24
3.3.3 Settings Tab ............................................................................................. 26
3.3.4 Spectral Data............................................................................................ 28
3.3.5 Spectrum Display...................................................................................... 29
4. Advanced Operations............................................................................................ 30
4.1 Options ........................................................................................................... 30
4.1.1 Settings Panel .......................................................................................... 30
4.1.2 Calibration ................................................................................................ 31
4.2 How to Perform Calibration............................................................................. 32
4.3 Laser Power Calibration.................................................................................. 35
4.4 Library............................................................................................................. 37
4.4.1 Create new library..................................................................................... 37
4.4.2 Select library............................................................................................. 38
4.4.3 Edit library................................................................................................. 40
4.4.4 Identify a spectrum ................................................................................... 40
5. Sample Measurements.......................................................................................... 43
6. Trouble Shooting................................................................................................... 45
6.1 FAQ ................................................................................................................ 46

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1. Laser Safety and Precautions
The PeakSeeker™ and PeakSeeker Pro™ series of instruments complies with DHHS Radiation
Performance Standards 21 CFR (J) for Class IIIB Laser products. It contains a laser light source that
emits visible and/or invisible laser radiation at a power level which can be user adjusted from 5 mW –300
mW. The upper end of this range is approximately 100 times the power output of a typical laser pointer.
The user must be aware of the dangers associated with equipment of this type and must be experienced
in practices and processes associated with handling such products.
We recommend the following safety precautions while operating the laser. This is only a
recommended list and by no means comprehensive:
1. Post warnings in the area where the instrument is to be used.
2. Allow access only to authorized personnel.
3. Do not look directly in the path of the beam.
4. Always wear safety goggles (provided with the instrument) while using the system.
Safety Notice
All Raman Systems are equipped with an electronic shutter which prevents laser emission when
measurements are not being made. During a sample scan, the red LED on the panel will
illuminate, indicating laser excitation of the sample under measurement.
WARNING!
An illuminated RED LED on the instrument panel indicates active laser emission!
Sample burning
It must be noted that dark materials will absorb the laser energy much more efficiently than
transparent materials. Such materials will therefore heat up more quickly and may become more
sensitive to thermal damage and possibly incite ignition or detonation.
Moreover, very high laser power focused on a very small spot (100 μm diameter is typical) implies
very high power density which can cause the sample damage.
Disclaimer:
Photonwares Inc. assumes that the user of the instrument has read and is familiar with all precautions that
need to be exercised, while operating an instrument with a class IIIB laser. Photonwares is not responsible
for any damage caused to personnel, equipment, or samples arising from incorrect use of the laser or the
instrument.

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2. Software and Drivers installation
This section is to introduce the first-time installation or a reinstallation of RSIQ software on the
new computer. The PeakSeeker and PeakSeeker Pro instruments are normally supplied with
dedicated notebook computers preloaded with RSIQ software. You could skip this section if you
already purchased the Raman Spectrometer with laptop. The installation procedure applies to
installation on user supplied computers. Software is provided on a USB flash drive with each
instrument when delivered.
❖The manual is based on using Windows 10 (64 bit) as the operating system.
❖The RSIQ software needs .NET framework version 4 or newer.
2.1 Software Installation
1. Power on the computer only, DO NOT connect the Raman instrument to computer.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into the computer and open the drive folder. The installation file is in
the folder Setup. There is a copy of the installation files on the laptop’s folder D:\Setup, too.
Figure 2.1 Installation Folder
3. Double click the “RSIQ_Setup” file, the installation will start as a setup wizard. Click “Next>”:

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Figure 2.2 RSIQ Setup Wizard
4. The wizard asks to select the file folder location to install the software, click ‘Browse’ to change
the default folder or click “Next>”:
Figure 2.3 Installation folder
5. Confirm the installation and click “Next>”. If you want to change the selection, click “<Back”:

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Figure 2.4 Confirm
6. After the installation is finished. Click “Close” to exit.
Figure 2.5 Installation complete
7. After the installation is finished the software will create a shortcut on the desktop.

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Figure 2.6 Desktop Shortcut
2.2 Spectrometer Driver Installation
Please operate the computer only, DO NOT connect the spectrometer to the computer.
1. Double click the ‘Drivers’ folder under the ‘Setup’ path
Figure 2.7 Driver Folder
2. Go to ‘Spectrometer Driver’ folder, the spectrometer needs both 32bit and 64bit drivers installed
on the computer.

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Figure 2.8 Spectrometer Driver Folder
3. Double click to start the installation. It supports a lot of languages, English is recommended.
Figure 2.9 Language Selection
4. Follow the hint on the screen to finish the installation

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Figure 2.10 Setup Wizard
5. Choose ‘Redistributable version’ and click ‘Next>’
Figure 2.11 Version Selection
6. Use the default installation directory and click ‘Next>’
Figure 2.12 Installation Path
7. Use the default setting and click ‘Next>’