Discover how alphaCART, a mobile confocal Raman spectroscopy system, enables researchers to analyze precious and immovable samples with Damon Strom.
Please can you introduce yourself and alphaCART?
My name is Damon Strom, and alphaCART is our mobile, confocal, research-grade Raman spectroscopy system. This innovative solution is designed for samples that are too large to move to a lab, too valuable to leave their vaults, or located in the field. alphaCART allows researchers to bring the lab directly to the sample, offering flexibility and precision in any setting.
As for the "CART" in alphaCART, it really does mean "cart." The system folds into a flight case with wheels, making it transportable. Despite its mobility, it delivers the same high performance as the other Raman systems in our core alpha300 line, featuring a full scientific Raman microscope with a spectrometer, spectroscopic CCD, lasers, and optics. It’s a true research-grade tool that can go wherever you need it.
Was it challenging to make a take-out Raman microscope?
The modularity of our microscopes made it possible to simply assemble most of the components, though a few new pieces were developed so the Raman probe could be freely positioned and mounted on a tripod. alphaCART very much leverages the architecture of our alpha300 series and retains compatibility with its range of accessories and upgrade options.
What does “modular” look like in practical terms?
"Modular" in practical terms means a stackable system of optical modules that allows scientists to configure an instrument tailored to their specific research needs. Researchers can choose modules that provide the required functionalities while staying within budget, and they can easily add new modules as their experiments evolve. This approach future-proofs the microscopes, ensuring they aren’t locked into a fixed specification. This flexibility is particularly valuable for customers working at the cutting edge of development, where their needs can change rapidly.
What was the motivation for creating alphaCART?
The motivation behind creating alphaCART came from our close connection with the research community. Our development teams regularly communicate with scientists to understand their work and the fields where Raman spectroscopy use is increasing. alphaCART emerged from those conversations, as some researchers expressed a need for a high-quality Raman system that could be brought directly to their site.
After seeing great results and published work, we received similar requests over time. We refined the design and added some new features, and when we were asked to provide a system for a high-profile project in Vienna, it was essentially a finished product, ready for launch. This initiative, called Projekt Reichskrone was conducted at the Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien, also known as the Imperial Treasury Vienna. It carried out the first thorough, scientific investigation of the gemstones of the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire.
The crown is about a thousand years old, having been used in the coronation of emperors and kings throughout much of European history. It’s an artifact of immeasurable significance and value. alphaCART was brought into the vault where the crown is kept because Raman spectroscopy can extract subtle details of the gemstones' chemistry. Crucially, Raman spectroscopy is a nondestructive analytical technique, which was especially important given the nature of the experiment.
Image Credit: (left, right) WITec GmbH; (middle) ©KHM-Museumsverband
How did the experiment go?
The experiment went extremely well. Since alphaCART is a confocal Raman system, it can capture Raman signals from a very thin layer of material, which was crucial for examining the internal inclusions of the gemstones. The system's high sensitivity allowed us to investigate the crystal structure of the gems in detail, detect any impurities, and even uncover signs that some of the stones had been heated to enhance their color. This level of precision is what made alphaCART the perfect tool for such a delicate and important project.
Do you expect similar groups to make use of alphaCART going forward?
Absolutely. Cultural heritage researchers, art conservationists, and art historians are all ideal candidates for using alphaCART. It’s also highly relevant in fields such as archaeology and geoscience, where being able to analyze materials on-site is crucial. We’ve also seen excellent results with researchers using alphaCART to peer through glass windows of reaction chambers to monitor high-temperature coating processes.
Essentially, anyone working in non-laboratory environments who needs to perform high-quality, scientific-level Raman spectroscopy can benefit from using alphaCART. It’s designed for versatility and precision, making it a valuable tool across a wide range of applications.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Oxford Instruments WITec.
For more information on this source, please visit Oxford Instruments WITec.
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