Thorlabs RASP1 and RASP2 Portable Coded-Aperture Raman Spectrometers

Thorlabs has expanded its spectroscopy product offering with the release of two Portable Coded-Aperture Raman Spectrometers (RASP1 and RASP2), suitable for detecting low-intensity Raman signals. With the ability to measure Raman spectra in the fingerprint (500−1800 cm^-1) and high-frequency regions (2600−3700 cm^-1; RASP2 only), the devices allow for the analysis of the chemical composition of both solid and liquid samples.

The RASP1 comes with an integrated 785 nm excitation laser, whereas the RASP2 contains a 785 nm laser as well as a 680 nm laser. Safety interlocks prevent exposure to the internal Class 4 laser(s), lowering the system’s laser classification to Class 1.

Based on the same patented Coded-Aperture technology integrated into the previously released Modular Raman Spectroscopy Kits (RSB1(/M)), the spectrometers are designed to overcome the conventional single slit spectrometer trade-off between desired spectral resolution and achievable light throughput. Sample excitation is possible with an unfocused 2 mm laser beam, thereby enabling a large field of view sampling area (suitable for inhomogeneous samples) and low laser power density at the sample (reducing the chance for laser-induced damage).

The benchtop spectrometers are easy to use with ThorRaman, a software interface that is straightforward, intuitive and responsive, revealing all functions in one or two clicks. The spectrometers also feature a built-in Neon spectral lamp and come with a polystyrene reference chip that allows for automated self-calibration. An accessory kit (RASPA1) for optimal sample positioning is available separately.

Sample composition analysis is performed automatically against up to four substances from a reference library. An example substance library of common chemicals is included with the software, and custom libraries can easily be built using spectra acquired by the user.