Wasatch Photonics X Series User manual
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X series Operations Manual Oct 27, 2023
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
1.1. Applicability 4
1.2. Model Nomenclature 4
1.3. Referenced Documents 4
2. Laser Safety 5
2.1. Laser Safety Fundamentals 5
2.2. Safety Markings 6
2.3. Permanently Affixed Laser Attenuator 6
2.4. Light-Tight Optical Bench 7
2.5. Laser Warning LEDs 8
2.5.1. Laser Armed LED (Yellow) 8
2.5.2. Laser Firing LED (Red) 8
2.6. Laser Firing Delay 9
2.7. Laser Interlock Key-Switch 9
2.8. Remote Laser Interlock 9
2.9. Laser Software Control 10
3. Unboxing Your X series Raman Spectrometer 11
4. Optical Coupling 13
4.1. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 13
4.2. ILC (Integrated Laser and Interchangeable Coupling) 13
4.3. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 14
4.4. IP (Integrated Probe) 15
5. Measurement Setup 16
5.1. Fiber Connections 16
5.1.1. Fiber Specifications 16
5.1.2. Jacketing 16
5.1.3. Polarization 16
5.2. Sampling Accessories 17
5.2.1. RP series Raman Probes (ILC) 17
5.2.2. Cuvette Holder / Vial Accessory (for use with IC and ILC models) 17
5.2.3. Vial Accessory (ILP) 18
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5.3. Sampling Operations / System Setup 18
5.3.1. ILP Models / Fully Integrated Systems 18
5.3.2. ILC Models / Semi-integrated Systems 19
5.3.3. IC Models / Fully Modular Systems 20
6. Power 22
7. Communications 23
7.1. USB Communications 23
8. ENLIGHTEN™ Quick Start 24
8.1. Installation 24
8.2. Scope Mode 24
8.3. Set Measurement Parameters 25
8.3.1. Laser Control 25
8.3.1.1. Integrated Laser 25
8.3.1.2. External Laser 25
8.3.2. Integration Time 25
8.3.3. Scan Averaging 26
8.3.4. Dark Subtraction 26
8.3.5. Save Measurements 26
9. Troubleshooting 28
9.1. Electrical Transients 28
10. Maintenance and Servicing 29
10.1. Cleaning 29
10.2. Replacement Power Transformer 29
A. Appendix: Block Diagrams 30
a. Internal Block Diagrams 30
i. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 30
ii. ILC (Integrated Laser and interchangeable Coupling) 30
iii. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 31
iv. IP (Integrated Probe) 31
b. External Block Diagrams 32
i. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 32
ii. ILC (Integrated Laser and interchangeable Coupling) 32
iii. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 33
B. Appendix: Mechanical Drawings 34
a. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 34
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b. ILC (Integrated Laser and interchangeable Coupling) 35
c. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 36
d. IP (Interchangeable Probe) 37
C. Appendix: Housing Labels 38
a. Product Identification Label 38
b. Laser Aperture Label 38
c. Class 3B Warning Logotype 38
i. 638nm (ILP and ILC) 38
ii. 785nm (ILP and ILC) 39
iii. 830nm (ILP and ILC) 39
iv. 1064 (ILP and ILC) 40
D. Appendix: MPE, NOHD and NHZ 41
a. ILP Models 42
b. ILC Models (FC/PC Connector) 43
c. ILC Models (Raman Probe) 44
d. Continuous Wave PWM vs “Pulsed” 45
E. Appendix: Electrical Connectors and Pin-outs 46
a. 12VDC Power 46
b. USB 46
c. Remote Laser Interlock 46
F. Appendix: Remote Interlock Sample Configurations 47
a. Configuration 1: Integrated Laser (Remote Interlock) 47
b. Configuration Two: External Laser 47
c. Tested Vendor Products 48
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1. Introduction
Congratulations on obtaining a Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometer! This operator’s manual
should either provide or point you to all the information you need to perform fast, safe, and accurate
Raman measurements of the world around you.
1.1. Applicability
This manual is applicable to all Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometers, including all
laboratory and OEM variants of the following:
●WP 532X
●WP 638X
●WP 785X
●WP 830X
●WP 1064X
1.2. Model Nomenclature
Wasatch X series Raman spectrometers have model names like the following:
WP-excitationX-Fratio-cooling-coupling[-slit]
where:
●excitation =excitation wavelength of the laser (532, 638, 785, 830 or 1024)
●ratio = focal ratio (13 indicating ƒ/1.3, or 18 indicating ƒ/1.8)
●cooling = detector cooling type (‘R’ indicating “TEC Regulated” to10°C, or‘C’ indicating “TEC
Cooled” to -15°C)
●coupling = optical coupling between spectrometer, laser and sample (ILP, ILC, IC and IP) — see
section 4, Optical Coupling,for details
●slit = optional slit width inµm (typically 10, 25, 50, 100 or 200). Slit width is only specified for
freespace couplings (ILP and IP), asthe other configurations support “interchangeable
couplings” (which includes interchangeable slits)
1.3. Referenced Documents
Please see the following documents for additional information relevant to your Wasatch Photonics
spectrometer:
●X series Raman Spectrometer QuickStart Guide
●ENLIGHTEN™ Spectroscopy Software
○includes application installers and ENLIGHTEN™ manual
●Software Drivers and Libraries
●Technical References
○ENG-0001 USB API
○ENG-0034 EEPROM Specification
●Regulatory Standards
○IEC 60825-1:2014
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2. Laser Safety
Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers include a number of safety
features to minimize risk of exposure and injury to the operator and any bystanders.
Nevertheless, be aware that these remain Class 3B laser products and are therefore fundamentally
unsafe for use without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as laser goggles, and
user training from a qualified instructor and syllabus.
Caution - use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
DO NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SPECTROMETER OR LASER CONTROL SYSTEMS OTHER THAN
THOSE RECOMMENDED IN THIS MANUAL. DOING SO COULD VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND
COMPROMISE OPERATOR SAFETY.
2.1. Laser Safety Fundamentals
Whether your Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometer contains an integrated laser (ILP and ILC
models), or you are using your spectrometer with an external laser (IC and IP models), please review the
following safety guidance and familiarize yourself with all applicable laser safety features of your Raman
spectrometer.
It is of particular importance to know the wavelength (nm) and output power (mW) of all lasers in
operation. This information informs the selection of appropriate laser protective eyewear (glasses or
goggles). Wasatch Photonics recommends laser safety goggles of at least OD5+ at the nominal excitation
wavelength.
Users should be aware that some or all of a laser’s emitted laser radiation may be invisible to the human
eye. For instance, 785 nm and 830 nm lasers are only partially visible to human vision, and may be
perceived as a faint red dot on an unfocussed white surface (textured wall paint or business card). Do
not be misled by the relative dimness of the laser spot — the vast majority of the coherent laser light is
actually outside your visible spectrum, and remains extremely dangerous.
Other laser wavelengths, such as 1064 nm, are entirely invisible. These are actually the most dangerous
lasers from an eye safety standpoint, as the human eye has no innate “flinch” or “blink” reflexes to
respond to infrared light, allowing your pupil to remain fully dilated and thus serve as an open aperture
actively focused on the sensitive tissue of your retina.
For additional information on laser safety issues, please see the following online resources:
●https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_safety
●https://www.lia.org/store/laser-safety-standards/ansi-z136-standards
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2.2. Safety Markings
Your spectrometer includes regulatory-standard labels and markings identifying laser wavelength,
maximum output power, and the location of the laser aperture.
It is important that operators are aware of the laser wavelength and output power of the product, as
that is necessary to select appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as laser goggles at the
correct wavelength and OD (Optical Density).
Sample laser marking indicating power, wavelength and pulse rate
Sample laser aperture indication (attenuator not shown)
For reference, find reproductions of all labels in Appendix C, Housing Labels.
2.3. Permanently Affixed Laser Attenuator
ILP spectrometers with an integrated laser will include a permanently attached (chained) laser
attenuator which may serve as a protective lens-cap. This can protect the optics from dust and damage
when not in use, and represents an additional safety feature by physically preventing inadvertent laser
emission when emplaced. For convenience, a magnetized clip is provided to hold the attenuator when
not engaged.
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Permanently affixed ILP attenuator with storage clip
ILC units similarly have a metal FC/PC screw-on cap chained to the front face, offering device and
operator protection of the exposed emission fiber connector.
Permanently affixed ILC attenuator
2.4. Light-Tight Optical Bench
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers are designed such that coherent laser light cannot escape the
optical bench and radiate into the environment, save through the intended optical coupling (freespace
front optic for ILP models, and FC/PC fiber connector for ILC models).
To maintain this protective seal, it is important that users do not attempt to disassemble the
spectrometer or modify the mechanical assembly.
A key aspect of the light-seal in systems with integrated multi-mode lasers is the internal fiber
connecting the housed multi-mode laser butterfly package to the integrated probe or external FC/PC
connector. If this fiber breaks or snaps, it is possible for laser radiation to emit into the environment
through holes and vents in the product housing.
Therefore, it is important that, if you have any reason to suspect internal fiber breakage (i.e. inability to
generate Raman spectra), you should contact Wasatch Photonics for investigation and repair.
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2.5. Laser Warning LEDs
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers have two warning LEDs on the front
panel. These LEDs are designed to be visible both from the front and top of the spectrometer. When
operational, the LEDs will flash in synchronization; if either LED is illuminated “solid” (not flashing), that
indicates a fault condition and the unit should be referred to the manufacturer for investigation and
repair.
2.5.1. Laser Armed LED (Yellow)
The yellow “Laser Armed” LED flashes when both laser interlock systems (Key-Switch and Remote
Interlock (“Continuity Circuit”), both described below) are “closed” (configured to allow the laser to
fire).
When this LED flashes, it indicates that power is being supplied to the laser driver circuit, and it is
physically (electrically) possible for the laser to fire if given the appropriate signal through software or
signaling electronics.
When this LED flashes, it does not mean the laser is currently firing; it means it can fire, when you
instruct it to.
If this LED is not flashing, it typically means one of these things:
●the spectrometer is not plugged in to mains
●the spectrometer is not switched on using the side power switch
●the laser key is not inserted
●the laser key is not turned to the “firing” position
●the remote interlock plug is not inserted
●an external circuit wired to the remote interlock plug is “open” (not “closed”)
2.5.2. Laser Firing LED (Red)
The red “Laser Firing” LED flashes when the laser is armed (the yellow LED is flashing) and the laser has
been commanded to fire. It indicates that the laser is actively preparing or attempting to fire.
The red LED does not indicate that the laser is “currently” firing at that instant in time. However, it does
urgently suggest that the laser may fire at any moment, and for safety reasons should be treated as
though it were firing.
Reasons why the LED may be flashing, even though the laser may not be actively firing:
●The Laser Firing Delay may not have completed (see section 2.6, below)
●The laser may have been configured to fire at less than full-power, andas a result is set to pulse
at a specific duty cycle using PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation). In this state, the laser will rapidly
toggle between firing and not-firing inorder toadjust the total laser energy being directed at the
sample. The “Laser Firing” LED does not deactivate during times when the laser is momentarily
off due to the instantaneous state of the PWM duty-cycle.
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2.6. Laser Firing Delay
There is a regulatory requirement that the “laser firing” LED should illuminate for a short period of time
before the laser actually begins emitting hazardous radiation. This is so that the operator and bystanders
have an opportunity to visually observe the LED illumination and take appropriate defensive action if
this circumstance was unexpected (e.g., close their eyes, look away, disable the laser through software,
hit an “emergency stop” wall-box linked to the remote interlock, turn the key-switch, etc).
2.7. Laser Interlock Key-Switch
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers include a laser interlock key-switch on
the back face of the spectrometer (opposite the collection / excitation optics). This key is removable,
and must be turned to a “firing” position before the laser can be armed and fired.
If the key is not inserted and turned to the “firing” position, neither the yellow “Armed” nor the red
“Firing” LED can illuminate, nor can the laser fire.
If the key is inserted and turned to the “firing” position, the yellow “Armed” LED may illuminate, but the
red “Firing” LED should not illuminate until the laser is instructed to fire through software.
If the key is turned “off” or removed while the laser is firing, the laser will immediately cease firing. Re-
inserting and turning the key back to the “firing” position will not automatically cause the laser to
resume firing: a fresh software command must be sent to re-instruct the laser to resume firing.
2.8. Remote Laser Interlock
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers include a remote laser interlock jack on
the back face of the spectrometer (adjacent to the key-switch). This jack uses a standard stereo audio
plug connector (SP-3540A, DigiKey 102-4779-ND), simplifying development of compatible plugs for your
laboratory or OEM requirements.
If the jack is left empty (no plug inserted), the laser interlock circuit will be broken (“open”) and the laser
will not fire. This will likewise prevent the yellow “Laser Armed” LED from illuminating.
The microphone plug should be wired to your laboratory’s remote door-entry / remote interlock system.
Such interlock circuits are varied, and can include one or multiple nodes such as the following:
●Door interlocks which open (disarm) when the magnetic seal is broken, and close (arm) when
the magnets connect, such that arrival of an unexpected visitor causes the laser to immediately
disable.
●“Emergency Stop” buttons which allow users to quickly deactivate the laser by depressing or
signaling a conveniently large and accessible physical switch.
●“Exit Override” buttons which temporarily disable “downstream” interlocks by forcibly closing
the circuit (typically only for a few seconds and accompanied by an audible siren).
●“Entry Override” keypads allowing the door override to be temporarily disabled with a
passcode.
●Interlocked power strips, such that opening of the interlock circuit cuts power to connected
devices.
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For additional guidance onrecommended use ofthe remote interlock to support your laser laboratory’s
safety systems, seeAppendix F, Remote Interlock Sample Configurations.
For temporary desktop use without a permanent remote interlock system
installed, the remote interlock can be defeated using the provided “loopback”
microphone plug, which closes the continuity circuit and allows the laser to fire
(subject to key-switch and other safety systems).
2.9. Laser Software Control
Software also plays apart inlaser safety, as there isno way tofire the laser without adeliberate
sequence of events triggered through software on aconnected computer.
That istosay, even with the spectrometer powered through mains, with the power switch on, the
interlock key inserted and in the “Fire” position, and the remote interlock continuity circuit closed, there
is no way toinducethe laser tofire without a software command via USB. The spectrometer does not
contain any physical “fire” or “measure” buttons, andhas no ability toindependently fire the laser save
through software control.
For thispurpose, Wasatch provides ENLIGHTEN™ as across-platform open-source desktop application,
as well as avariety ofsoftware drivers and libraries which customers can useto design their own
software. ENLIGHTEN™ is covered in section 8, and also on our website.
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3. Unboxing Your X series Raman Spectrometer
Your Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometer should come boxed with the following items:
●Spectrometer
●12V power supply with mains cable for appropriate regional outlet
●USB cable (standard-A plug to standard-B plug)
●Thumbdrive containing calibration reports and ENLIGHTEN™ installer
If you ordered your spectrometer as part of a bundle, it may include any or all of the following additional
accouterments:
●SMA-905 collection fiber (if ILC or IC coupling)
●FC/PC excitation fiber (if ILC coupling)
●Raman Probe (if ILC or IC coupling)
●External laser (if IC coupling)
●Sampling accessories (vial holders etc)
WP 532X-ILC in shipping box
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Cable tray in shipping box bottom
For additional information on setting up your X series Raman spectrometer, please see the appropriate
QuickStart guide found on the Technical Documents & Resources page on our website:
https://wasatchphotonics.com/technical-resources/
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4. Optical Coupling
Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometers support four different optical coupling designs which
allow different type of system setups:
●ILP (Spectrometer with Integrated Laser and Probe) for creation of a fully integrated system
●ILC (Spectrometer with Integrated Laser and Interchangeable Coupling) for creation of a semi-
integrated system
●IC (Spectrometer with Interchangeable Coupling) for creation of a fully modular system
●IP (Spectrometer with Integrated Probe) for creation of a system with the user’s laser (available
only to OEMs)
These are each discussed in the following sections.
4.1. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe)
These spectrometers contain both an integrated laser and an integrated Raman probe, to support epi-
illuminated (co-axial) excitation and collection in a single package with focused free space optics. No
additional optical fibers or external Raman probes are required — everything you need is inside the
enclosed housing, accessed through a single focused lens.
X series Raman spectrometer with ILP coupling
Distinguishing features of the ILP design include an absence of any fiber connectors, whether SMA
(collection) or FC/PC (excitation). The only aperture on the front face is a cylindrical objective lens
converging both the outbound laser and inbound Raman scatter signal into a single focused point at a
fixed stand-off working distance.
4.2. ILC (Integrated Laser and Interchangeable Coupling)
These spectrometers contain an integrated multi-mode laser, but do not contain an integrated Raman
probe. Therefore, these models must be used in conjunction with an external Raman probe of the
appropriate wavelength.
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These units have two optical fiber connectors on the front face: an FC/PC connector to transmit
outbound excitation laser light, and an SMA-905 connector to collect Raman scatter from the sample.
X series Raman spectrometer with ILC coupling
Typically both fibers are joined in an external Raman probe like the Wasatch RP 785. It is important to
use a probe built for the correct laser wavelength, as that determines the filter within the probe.
Wasatch Photonics Raman Probes
4.3. IC (Interchangeable Coupling)
These spectrometers contain neither anintegrated laser nor anintegrated probe. The user is expected
to provide, power and control their laser through other means, connecting the spectrometer tothat
laser through anexternal Raman probe as described previously in section 4.2, ILC (Integrated Laser and
interchangeable Coupling).
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X series Raman spectrometer with IC coupling
Besides having only the single SMA-905 fiber connector, these units are also visually distinguished by
lacking any LEDs on the front face, as they have no integrated laser requiring warning signals. Likewise,
the back face of these spectrometers lack other laser-safety interfaces such as the interlock key-switch
or remote interlock socket.
4.4. IP (Integrated Probe)
These spectrometers provide an integrated Raman Probe with free space coaxial optics, but do not
provide an integrated laser. Therefore, it is incumbent on the user to provide their own laser and couple
it to the integrated probe’s FC/PC connector.
X series Raman spectrometer with IP coupling
Because the user will need access to the integrated probe to connect their laser fiber, and because it
would cause unnecessary signal loss to couple such a laser through a secondary fiber leading to a
housing connector, the IP coupling is only available in OEM (lidless) configurations.
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5. Measurement Setup
5.1. Fiber Connections
Note it is very important to not touch the fiber ends with your fingers, as this can leave oil deposits on
the exposed optics. Fiber end caps have been provided to protect the fiber ends when not in use.
785X-ILC showing FC/PC excitation fiber port (left) and SMA collection port (right)
5.1.1. Fiber Specifications
Collection (Measurement)
Excitation (Laser)
Applies to ILC and IC models
Applies to ILC models
Connector
SMA-905
FC/PC
Numeric Aperture (NA)
0.39
0.22
Core Diameter (µm)
400 (≤ 600 µm)
105 typical
Recommended Jacketing
metal or plastic
metal
5.1.2. Jacketing
Wasatch recommends metal-jacketed fibers when possible to minimize the possibility of laser light
leaking into the environment, or conversely ambient light leaking into the measurement.
5.1.3. Polarization
Polarization-maintaining fibers are supported but do not add value for typical measurements.
Polarization-maintaining fibers are a type of small-core, single-mode fiber that is used to prevent light
from changing polarization direction during propagation. However, Wasatch gratings and spectrometers
are designed with low polarization dependence to ensure throughput remains consistent regardless of
the input polarization state. Thus, as Raman scattering is inherently unpolarized, and given that it is a
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low-light measurement, we recommend use of multimode fiber to capture and couple as much light as
possible into the Raman spectrometer.
5.2. Sampling Accessories
5.2.1. RP series Raman Probes (ILC)
Note that the same probes can be used interchangeably between ƒ/1.3 and ƒ/1.8 ILC models, however,
Wasatch Photonics RP series Raman probes are designed with an f/1.3 input aperture, and will thus
match most efficiently with our f/1.3 spectrometer models.
5.2.2. Cuvette Holder / Vial Accessory (for use with IC and ILC models)
Wasatch Photonics offers a cuvette holder / vial accessory designed specifically for use with our RP
series probes (WP-CUV-RP). It can accommodate small vials, large vials, square cuvettes, and microscope
slides. It features a thumb screw which can be used to lock the position of the probe relative to the
sample once optimal focusing/signal has been achieved.
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5.2.3. Vial Accessory (ILP)
Wasatch Photonics offers a cuvette holder / vial accessory designed specifically for use with our fully
integrated X series Raman systems (ILP models). It can accommodate small vials, large vials, and square
cuvettes. It features a thumb screw which can be used to lock the position of the probe relative to the
freespace front optic/lens once optimal focusing/signal has been achieved.
5.3. Sampling Operations / System Setup
5.3.1. ILP Models / Fully Integrated Systems
An X series spectrometer with integrated laser and probe (ILP coupling) can be used as a fully integrated
Raman system, typically with an additional cuvette holder/vial assembly, as shown below:
To complete setup of the system, slide the cuvette holder/vial accessory over the freespace front
optic/lens, then tighten down the thumb-screw on the vial accessory such that it can’t inadvertently be
disconnected from the spectrometer or change the working distance.
Place the sample vial inside the accessory, then place the accessory lid securely over the vial to ensure
no laser light can escape (nor ambient light intrude). Note that the position of the cuvette holder/vial
accessory relative to the spectrometer (i.e., the working distance) may need to be adjusted in and out to
achieve maximum signal from the sample and minimum background fluorescence from the sample
vessel.
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5.3.2. ILC Models / Semi-integrated Systems
An X series spectrometer with integrated laser (ILC coupling) allows creation of a semi-integrated Raman
system, which can be completed by adding an external Raman probe and corresponding cuvette
holder/vial assembly, as shown below:
To complete setup of the system, attach the Raman probe to the spectrometer with fibers:
1) Connect the excitation fiber (keyed FC/PC connectors) to the spectrometer’s laser port on the
LED panel (left), and to the Raman probe (lower input, as shown)
2) Connect the collection fiber (SMA connectors) to the spectrometer’s input port on the smaller
front panel (right), and to the Raman probe (upper input, as shown)
Slide the cuvette holder/vial accessory over the end of the Raman probe, then tighten down the thumb-
screw on the vial accessory such that it can’t inadvertently disconnect from the probe or change in
working distance.
This manual suits for next models
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