Supply and delivery of a Variable pressure Scanning Electron Microscope with Integrated Raman Spectroscopy

Tender description

A. Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope General Description The VP-SEM is required for the visual characterisation of solid-state materials to a high resolution. The system must allow for the integrated analysis of solid molecular materials by both SEM and Raman spectroscopic techniques and so the sample chamber must large enough to contain the Raman probe. As the majority of samples will be non-conducting the ability to operate at variable pressures within the SEM chamber is vital to ensure improved image sharpness from the SEM since gold coating of the samples will inhibit the Raman analysis. Often further analysis will be required on the same sample, which the gold coating may inhibit. Necessary software for the analysis and processing of the obtained images is required. B. Raman Spectrometer and Interface to Variable Pressure SEM General Description The Raman spectrometer is required for the chemical and crystallographic identification of sample as they are being visualised on the SEM system. The ability to utilise different laser wavelengths is important as different types of molecules may fluoresce with differing wavelengths of light preventing good data collection. Differences in crystal structure are most apparent in the low wavenumber region of the spectrum due to the lattice vibration modes, the ability to collect data down to at least 100 cm-1 is required, although data collection to 10 cm-1 would be desirable. The Raman system must be able to interface with the VP- SEM and allow for the in-situ collection of spectra from sample as the SEM images are collected. The ability to undertake fast Raman analysis and images of samples in a range of solid state forms is required.