Combining Raman with SEM: Enhancing Material Analysis with BlueScientific and Renishaw’s inLux™

Tom Warwick Raman

A Renishaw inLux SEM Raman interface device is displayed on a white surface against a neutral background. The instrument is a sleek, rectangular, white unit with black accents and features a protruding metallic arm equipped with a sample holder at the end. The device is branded with the Renishaw logo in orange and the model name "inLux SEM Raman interface" written below it. This advanced instrument exemplifies the integration of Raman spectroscopy with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for comprehensive material analysis, combining high-sensitivity molecular and chemical characterisation with detailed imaging.

The integration of Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has significantly advanced material analysis.

BlueScientific is pleased to expand our longstanding partnership with Renishaw to now include the advanced inLux™ Raman system in our product lineup for the UK and Ireland. This continued collaboration allows us to offer an unparalleled combination of SEM and Raman spectroscopy, enhancing our clients’ material analysis capabilities.

Adding Raman to SEM facilitates the identification of chemical compounds and elemental analysis.

SEM is a powerful tool for imaging and analysing the surface structure of materials at the micro and nanoscale. However, SEM alone has limitations when it comes to chemical characterisation. Combining SEM with Raman spectroscopy lets you obtain high-magnification images and detailed chemical information from the same sample. Here are the key benefits of integrating Raman with SEM:

#1 Comprehensive Analysis:

  • SEM: Provides detailed topographical and morphological information.
  • Raman Spectroscopy: Offers molecular and chemical characterisation.
  • Combined: Enables a more complete understanding of the material’s properties.

#2 Enhanced Material Characterisation:

  • Go well beyond EDS analysis: While Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is effective for elemental analysis, integrating Raman spectroscopy with SEM allows for the identification of chemical compounds, crystal phases, polymorphs, and molecular interactions. This enables a deeper understanding of material composition and structure.
  • Complement SEM images with Raman spectra: Raman spectroscopy provides detailed chemical information that complements the morphological data obtained from SEM. This integration helps differentiate between materials with similar morphologies, offering a more comprehensive analysis.

#3 Streamlined Workflow:

  • SEM imaging and Raman analysis are performed in one system simultaneously.
  • Save time and reduce the risk of sample contamination or alteration by directly observing the impact of LASER irradiation with scanning electron microscopy

#4 Versatility Across Applications:

  • Useful in various fields, including graphene, graphite, battery tech, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, forensics, polymers, materials science, and geology.
  • Ideal for analysing polymers, semiconductors, biological samples, drug products and more.

The inLux™ Raman System

The inLux™ Raman system by Renishaw is designed to seamlessly integrate with SEM, providing a powerful combination for advanced material analysis. Key features of the inLux™ system include:

High Sensitivity and Resolution:

  • Detects even the most minor changes in molecular composition.
  • High spatial resolution for detailed chemical mapping.

User-Friendly Interface:

  • Intuitive software for easy operation and data interpretation.
  • Streamlined integration with existing SEM workflows.

Versatile Applications:

  • Suitable for a wide range of materials, from inorganic compounds to biological tissues.
  • Robust performance in various environmental conditions.

Real-World Applications

Nanotechnology:

  • Analyse nanomaterials’ surface morphology and chemical composition.
  • Improve the design and functionality of nanodevices.
  • Characterise if your material is graphene or graphite.

Pharmaceuticals:

  • Identify and characterise APIs and formulations.
  • Ensure quality control and consistency in pharmaceutical products.
  • Easily identify counterfeit medicine

Materials Science:

  • Study the microstructure and chemical properties of advanced materials.
  • Enhance the development of new materials with improved performance.

Geology:

Polymers:

  • Observe the degree of polymerisation by monitoring C=C bands
  • Check the polymer crystallinity while monitoring that your sample is not changing under the beam. 

BlueScientific and Renishaw Partnership

Our collaboration with Renishaw allows us to provide the cutting-edge inLux™ Raman system, enhancing the capabilities of SEM for our clients. With BlueScientific’s commitment to quality and Renishaw’s expertise in Raman spectroscopy, this partnership brings the best of both worlds to material analysis.

Support and Services:

  • Installation and Training: Ensuring your team is proficient in using the combined SEM and Raman system.
  • Maintenance and Repair: Providing regular maintenance and prompt repair services to minimise downtime.
  • Technical Support: Offering expert advice and troubleshooting assistance to help you get the most out of your equipment.
  • Software Updates: Keeping your instruments up-to-date with the latest software enhancements.

For more information about the inLux™ Raman system and how it can enhance your material analysis, please visit BlueScientific’s inLux™ Raman system page.

Integrating Raman spectroscopy with SEM offers a powerful tool for comprehensive material analysis. The inLux Raman system by Renishaw, now available through BlueScientific, provides high-resolution imaging and detailed chemical characterisation in one streamlined workflow. This combination enhances the capabilities of SEM, making it a versatile and invaluable tool across various industries.

Explore the benefits of combining Raman with SEM and how BlueScientific and Renishaw’s partnership can elevate your material analysis. Get in touch today for more information and to get started with the inLux™ Raman system.