Using the Linkam stage in Transmission mode
Your microscope supports the use of a Linkam stage to let you analyze samples in an environmental chamber. In this configuration, the standard stage is removed and the Linkam stage is installed directly on the dovetail mount.
| Before you begin operations, wait three to five minutes for the LVDT to initialize after you turn on the microscope |
This configuration is fixed and does not allow for x-y movement of the Linkam stage.
Inserting and removing the Linkam stage
The Linkam stage configuration is installed and assembled by a Thermo Fisher representative, but you have the ability to remove the stage and reinsert it as needed to swap between stages. If you have any questions not covered by these instructions, contact us.
To insert the Linkam stage
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Remove the standard stage if it is currently mounted. (See Inserting and removing the standard stage.)
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Ensure that the Linkam stage is sitting flat on the dovetail mount and line up the alignment pins on the bottom of the stage to the to the holes in the mount, then push down. If the stage is correctly lined up, it snaps down with minimal force.
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Tighten the front knob with your hand, finger-tight, to secure the stage.
- Configure the Linkam stage. Go to Configure > Instrument > Microscope and select RaptIR with Manual Stage. Then restart OMNIC Paradigm software.
To remove the Linkam stage
- From the OMNIC Paradigm software dashboard, set Analyze using to Reflection or ATR. Doing this drops down the condenser, giving you the space you need to remove the stage.
- Loosen the front knob with your hand (counterclockwise).
- Remove the Linkam stage. If it is sufficiently loosened, it should snap out of position with an audible pop. If you cannot remove the stage, simply loosen the knob further.
To best protect your Linkam stage when not in use, store it in a secure location in its original packaging, if available. You may leave the black mounting ring attached.
Inserting and removing the standard stage
You can reinstall the standard RaptIR+ stage as needed when you do not have use for the Linkam stage.
To insert the standard stage
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to open the side cover on your microscope.
- With the cover removed, connect the standard stage cables. The cables and connectors are male and female, so they cannot be installed backwards. Once connected, use a small flathead screwdriver to tighten the cable set screws. Do not over-tighten.
- Take the standard stage and align it onto the dovetail mount (make sure the front stage knob is properly loosened), then press it down. The stage will pop into place.
- Secure the stage by tightening the front knob, finger-tight, until secure.
- To configure the standard stage, go to Configure > Instrument > Microscope and select RaptIR. Close and restart OMNIC Paradigm software.
If the stage is properly installed and configured, the software asks if you want to initialize the stage. Select OK to continue normal operation.
To remove the stage, simply follow the physical steps above in reverse order or see the section below.
To remove the standard stage
- Loosen the set screws on the connector cables.
- Disconnect the connector cables.
- Loosen the front knob on the standard stage.
- Remove the standard stage by pulling it up and out of position. If you cannot remove the stage, simply loosen the knob further.
Using the Linkam stage
This section describes how to set up a measurement in Transmission mode using the Linkam stage and OMNIC Paradigm software.
- Make sure the stage is configured. If not, go to Configure > Instrument > Microscope and select RaptIR with Manual Stage.
- Use the stage knob to adjust the sample holder ring and bring it closer to the center.
- Set Analyze using to Transmission.
If the condenser is physically all the way up, you can temporarily set Analyze using to ATR in order to drop the condenser down, allowing you to move the stage. Make sure to go back to Transmission afterward.
- Go to Microscope Setup and select Camera View.
- Set your objective 4x.
- Use the Joystick to turn up illumination and raise the stage. (You can also do this using the virtual controls in Microscope View). Do this until you can see the focused image in the Camera View.
You see a clear image of the hole and sample holder ring. Move the sample holder ring out of the way to achieve a clear view of the hole.
At this point, do not use the z-axis controls as doing so will defocus your image.
- Switch to the 15x objective. The screen goes dark.
- Select the Condenser option and set it to about 40, 000. You will see light from the Transmission illuminator.
- Turn the Reflectance illuminator all the way down.
- Using the lower iris control knob to the right side of the stage, close the iris slightly. The iris edges indicate when you are in focus. Be sure to use the lower iris knob and not the one on the top.
- Focus the condenser image until the edges of the iris become clear and sharp.
At this point, do not manipulate the objective or condenser.
- Select Show Crosshairs in the Camera View. This step is optional, but it shows the precise location where the system will perform its analysis.
- Go to Live Spectrum.
You are now ready to insert your sample and measure data as normal.
You may move your sample in the x and y directions using the micrometers on the Linkam stage. Do not adjust the Z location as this will defocus the system. The x and y Joystick options will have no effect.