269-3745 Nicolet RaptIR X User Manual

The Nicolet™ RaptIR™ X FTIR Microscope System is a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microscope intended for use by trained personnel in a controlled laboratory to perform spectroscopic measurements.

Use the instrument only as described in the applicable documentation.

With the Nicolet™ RaptIR™ X microscope, you can quickly find your target, collect high-resolution visual images, and generate high spatial resolution IR data for analysis.

Key features of the system include:

• High-performance spectroscopic measurement capabilities, including better than 1 micron visual spatial resolution and better than 5 micron IR spatial resolution

• Easy, open access for sample handling

• Software for data acquisition and analysis

• Compatibility with a range of accessories

The microscope is available in a range of configurations to suit your research and is compatible with a variety of accessories.

The two core configurations for the system determine the IR source.

• Nicolet RaptIR X connected to an FTIR spectrometer (e.g., the Nicolet iS50 or Nicolet Apex spectrometers)

• Nicolet RaptIR X with the RaptIR X SAM, which is an integrated system with a built-in spectrometer. The SAM module attaches the RaptIR X microscope in place of a spectrometer.

All configurations come with the following components and accessories required for standard operation.

Refer to the packing list or shipping documentation for the exact contents of your system.

The included microscope toolkit contains the following items for routine maintenance and operation of the system.

• Connect the instrument to a properly rated and grounded power source.

• Use only approved power cords and connections.

• Ensure that the power disconnect device is accessible.

Improper electrical connections may result in equipment damage or safety hazards.

Connect the instrument power cable to the DC Power port.

If required for your system configuration:

• Connect purge gas or ventilation as specified.

• Verify that all connections are secure and leak-free.

• Ensure utilities meet specified requirements.

Refer to the Site Preparation Manual for detailed specifications.

Use only approved accessories and compatible components. Ensure all connections are secure before operation.

You may install these accessories yourself:

• The joystick

• Swappable detectors

• ATR attachments

• Sample holders

Other accessories must be installed by qualified personnel only.

Sample holders slide into the recessed slot on the microscope stage. Some sample holders have a red position indicator which should be aligned with the indicator on the stage.

If the microscope is integrated into a larger system, the safety of the overall system is the responsibility of the system integrator.

Ensure that all components are compatible and that any additional hazards are identified and mitigated.

Coupled with an iS50 spectrometer, your microscope can be configured for right-side emission (RSE) operation with a "passport synchro" in order to allow your microscope to analyze emitter samples.

To enable right-side emission measurements, the microscope must be attached on the right side of a Nicolet iS50 spectrometer, which must be equipped with the passport synchro option. The data will be collected using the detector in the iS50, not the microscope detector. As such, this setup directs the beam from the microscope "backwards" to the spectrometer, where it will be modulated and detected.

If your microscope is connected to an FTIR spectrometer, ensure the spectrometer is powered on before powering on the microscope.

To turn the microscope on, press the power button on the front panel. The blue indicator light blinks during initialization and shows a continuous blue glow when the microscope is ready to use.

Turn the computer on and wait for the Windows sign-in screen to appear.

Use OMNIC™ Paradigm™ software to control the microscope and analyze your sample.

When you first start the software and turn on the microscope, if your system has an automated stage, the software checks the limits of the stage movement to ensure that everything is operating correctly.

If your microscope is using a liquid nitrogen cooled detector, ensure it is properly cooled before use.

For more information on the detectors available to you, refer to Swap detectors.

The liquid nitrogen dewar holds 1 liter of liquid nitrogen. When cooled according to the following procedure, the detector should remain cool for approximately 18 hours.

Before using the instrument, verify that the installation was successful and that the system is operating correctly.

To verify the instrument setup, check the system status and run a performance verification workflow.

Check the performance of your microscope by running the qualification or performance verification (PV) workflows. These workflows use an established standard sample to check performance of the instrument. Each test follows different regulatory standards.

PV and qualification workflows use the polystyrene standards plate to test the microscope’s performance.

When the workflow is complete, the final reports are added to the Reports pane in the dashboard and can be printed.

The microscope is operated using system controls and software interfaces.

Run your microscope and analyze your samples using OMNIC™ Paradigm™ software, Thermo Scientific’s streamlined material analysis software. The user-friendly dashboard screen helps you view instrument status and recent work, process your spectra, conduct multi-component searching, and create new libraries. Designed with lab managers and science educators in mind, this software helps automate workflows using an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow creator. Work remotely and collaborate with colleagues around the globe when you upload OMNIC™ Paradigm™ data to the cloud using the Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Anywhere application.

It is useful to understand how various components of the microscope interact with the visible and IR light as it passes through the system. These diagrams are intended to help you understand the flow of light through the system and how options in the software affect the visible and IR light.

The following images show a simplified diagram of the light paths through the microscope. The first image shows the light paths for all analysis modes. The next images show the light paths for reflection and transmission analysis modes.

Proper sample handling is essential for safe and accurate operation.

• Use only compatible samples and materials

• Avoid hazardous or incompatible substances unless proper precautions are in place

• Follow laboratory safety procedures

Some materials may produce hazardous vapors or byproducts under certain conditions.

Use OMNIC™ Paradigm™ software to operate the microscope and to analyze samples. This section describes a basic measurement process using Reflection or Transmission analysis.

For detailed information on measurement settings and software controls, refer to the OMNIC™ Paradigm™ software user manual.

With the optional attenuated total reflection (ATR) attachment, you can analyze highly infrared-absorbant or hard-to-prepare microscopic materials, often with little or no sample preparation. Examples of these materials include polymers, coatings, rubbers, coated papers, and biological materials.

ATR measurements are not compatible with particle analysis in the software. If you are performing particle analysis, use reflection or transmission techniques instead.

Applications of ATR microscopy include:

• Analyzing the surface of a sample.

• Analyzing highly-absorbing materials and the surfaces of thick samples.

• Analyzing surface coatings.

• Analyzing surface defects, inclusions, or degradation.

With a mapping session, you can measure a collection of points at once.

Mapping is not available on systems equipped with a manual stage.

A mapping session is used to analyze regions. In OMNIC™ Paradigm™ software, a region is an area, line, or point. Regions are measured using identical measurement settings to create a chemical image of the sample. You can measure one or more regions at a time. Measuring regions requires you to first capture a mosaic.

To start a mapping session, in a Microscope tab, select Start Session in the toolbar.

Use the Particle Analysis tools to locate, characterize, and identify particles.

When the measurement is complete, the software displays information about each particle.

Microscopes with the polarizer options include separate polarizers for visible and for infrared light.

For each light source, the microscope includes two polarizing filters called the polarizer and the analyzer.

• Polarizer: Positioned between the light source and the sample

• Analyzer: Positioned between the sample and the camera or eyepieces and between the sample and the detector

When using the polarizer, you can insert either the polarizer alone (for plane-polarized light) or the polarizer and the analyzer (for cross-polarized light).

The grazing angle objective (GAO) is an optional, factory-installed addition for the Nicolet™ RaptIR™ X microscope that allows for analysis of ultra-thin film samples on reflecting surfaces. Using the GAO is similar to using other IR objectives but differs in several ways due to its specialized design.

If you were using a session, to avoid the risk of collision between the objective and the sample during rotation, move the stage down before ending the session.

Your microscope can be configured with differential interference contrast (DIC) capabilities.

DIC is an optical technique that uses Wollaston prisms and crossed polarizers to enhance contrast and visibility in otherwise transparent samples, such as layered laminates, unstained biological samples, or certain polymers.

Performing DIC is only possible if your microscope has been specifically configured with that capability by Thermo Fisher Scientific. For more information, contact us.

Your microscope is compatible with a fluorescence illuminator designed to locate and illuminate portions of a fluorescent sample that are of interest.

The fluorescence illuminator can be installed only by a Thermo Fisher representative. For more information, contact us.

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.

If you wish to remove dust from a mirror, window, or optical component, blow it off with a dust blower. Wipe the exterior of the system with only a clean, dry cloth.

• Do not use canned air or duster, which may damage the instrument.

• Never allow any liquid to come into contact with a window or optical component.

The desiccant protects the instrument from moisture whenever the purge is unavailable or the instrument is not in use.

Replace the desiccant if either of the following occurs:

• The humidity indicator is turning white or is pink.

• The instrument software reports humidity above 40%.

Important: Use only replacement desiccant supplied by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The detector dewar should maintain its insulating vacuum for several years. If the vacuum is lost , the insulation will lose effectiveness and the following symptoms may occur:

• Shortened hold times and condensation (liquid nitrogen boils off much faster than usual)

• Water and atmospheric contaminants condensing on the detector window will show up in spectra as unwanted peaks

• Note that water condensation may also appear during normal detector cooling in high-humidity environments

Your detector can degrade over time, resulting in performance issues and the need to re-pump the dewar.

This section includes instructions on how to store and ship your detector to Thermo Fisher for re-pumping, service, and maintenance. A general recommendation is to get your detectors re-pumped every seven years, though this can vary with usage.

The detector shipping restraints must be reinstalled prior to storing the detector for shipment.

If you have lost your detector’s original shipping restraints, contact us to order a replacement.

When both pieces are installed and secure, you are ready to store your detector for shipping.

Contact us (or a Thermo Fisher representative in your area) for details on how to ship your detectors to us.

Use only replacement parts specified by the manufacturer.

Substituting parts with non-approved components may result in:

• Equipment damage

• Reduced performance

• Safety hazards

• Use only power cords that meet the specified ratings.

• Do not modify or repair power cords.

• Replace damaged power cords immediately.

Improper power cords may create a safety hazard.

Contact the manufacturer or service provider if:

• The instrument does not operate as expected.

• A component appears damaged or worn.

• Maintenance beyond routine cleaning is required.

Do not attempt to service internal components unless instructed.

If incorrect operation could result in a hazard:

• Stop using the instrument immediately.

• Disconnect power if necessary.

• Do not attempt repairs beyond those described in this manual.

Only qualified personnel should perform service or repair procedures.

When a problem occurs:

• Observe system indicators and messages.

• Identify any recent changes to configuration or setup.

• Verify that the system is being used as specified.

• Check connections, accessories, and environmental conditions.

Use the information below to help identify and resolve common issues.

Contact the manufacturer or service provider if:

• The issue cannot be resolved using this section.

• The system shows signs of damage or malfunction.

• Repeated errors occur during normal operation.

Provide the following information when contacting support:

• Product name and model

• Serial number

• Description of the issue

• Any error messages displayed

Labels on the instrument provide important safety and identification information.

These labels:

• Are permanently affixed to the instrument

• Are designed to be clearly visible during operation and service

• Must not be removed, obscured, or damaged

If a label becomes damaged or unreadable, contact the manufacturer for replacement.

Some labels are affixed to the back of the microscope.

The system warranty period is 12 months in the U.S.A. and Canada. The warranty period begins on the date of installation or 30 days from the date of invoice, whichever is sooner.

The system warranty period for products sold outside the U.S.A. and Canada is 12 months from the date of installation or 14 months from the date of shipment, whichever is sooner.

Misuse, accident, modification, unsuitable physical or operating environment, improper maintenance, or damage caused by a product for which we are not responsible will void the warranty.

Consumables are not covered under warranty.

We do not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of a product. We provide certain non-Thermo Fisher Scientific products on an “as is” basis. Non-Thermo Fisher Scientific manufacturers or suppliers may provide their own warranties. A separate software warranty is provided with the software user documentation.

Your warranty will not cover:

• Damage due to improper moving techniques.

• Missing or damaged parts if the shipping boxes are unpacked before our service engineer installs the system.

• Damage due to removing the sealed plastic bag before the instrument has come to room temperature.

Thermo Fisher Scientific performs complete testing and evaluation of its products to ensure full compliance with applicable domestic and international regulations. When the system is delivered to you, it meets all pertinent standards as described in the next section or sections by product name. This analyzer is sold in multiple configurations.

Regulatory compliance information may be provided for features not included with your device, such as Wi-Fi.

Changes that you make to your system may void compliance with one or more of these requirements. Changes to your system include replacing a part or adding components, options, or peripherals not specifically authorized and qualified by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

To ensure continued compliance with these requirements, replacement parts and additional components, options, and peripherals must be ordered from Thermo Fisher Scientific or one of its authorized representatives.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to supporting a secure environment for our customers.

If you think you may have found a possible security vulnerability in one of our products or services, we would like you to identify it, so we can investigate it. To report possible security vulnerabilities please follow the instructions located here: https://corporate.thermofisher.com/us/en/index/about/information-security/Reporting-Security-Issues.html

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The technical information contained in this document is subject to the Export Administration Regulations. Export of this technical information to foreign persons or foreign companies, within or outside the United States, may require prior written authorization by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. prior to any such transfer.