Thermo Fisher Scientific Unveils New DXR Raman Microscope at PITTCON 2008, Harnessing the Power of Raman in a Simple-to-Use Tool

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today launched its new Thermo Scientific DXR Raman microscope. The instrument is designed specifically to help non-specialist users achieve rapid sampling and analysis of particles, down to one-micron spatial resolution. The novel microscope offers excellent spatial resolution, superior performance and unmatched reproducibility in a package that anyone can use. The revolutionary DXR Raman microscope will be showcased at the Thermo Scientific booth 1741 at PITTCON 2008, being held March 3 – 6 in New Orleans.

The DXR Raman microscope is equipped with fully integrated, pre-aligned components for fast and easy field installation and configuration. This flexible, innovative system utilizes several patented features to automate and simplify the steps an expert would go through to optimize a measurement. Interchangeable SMART^® components require no operator adjustment and ensure automated system configuration. Patented auto alignment and auto calibration ensure reliable results. A fiber probe option is available for remote sampling. Furthermore, the microscope utilizes the Thermo Scientific ValPro^® complete system validation package, allowing for compliance with cGMP and FDA regulatory requirements. Thermo Fisher Scientific also offers a large collection of Raman spectral libraries to aid in sample identification.

The DXR Raman microscope is designed to make the Raman technique accessible to a much wider audience, as modern digital cameras have done with photography, by replacing manual adjustments with system intelligence and automation. The newly designed instrument is ideal for a broad range of applications, from the investigative, such as forensic trace evidence analysis, to routine manufacturing troubleshooting, as in the polymer industry. The DXR Raman microscope brings the power of Raman microscopy to academic studies, for characterization of geological specimens, for example; to routine product quality control; and to sample authentication in industries such as fine gemstones.

“This is the first Raman microscope designed from the ground up for routine analysis,” said Dr. Ian Jardine, vice president of global research and development for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “It is exciting to provide an instrument so innovative it will make quality Raman data accessible to any lab as a routine analytical tool. This walk-up instrument will become an indispensable lab asset, unlike previous Raman instruments that did not meet the needs of non-specialists for usability, automation and affordability.”

In addition to the DXR Raman microscope, Thermo Fisher Scientific is also launching its new DXR SmartRaman spectrometer at PITTCON 2008. It is a groundbreaking macro Raman analytical tool designed specifically to bring the power of Raman spectroscopy to busy multipurpose laboratories.