Axiom’s New Raman Probe

In November, Axiom Analytical introduced the RFP-465 Multipass Raman Probe for vapor analysis. Its patented design boosts the sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy by up to an order of magnitude, according to the company. Unlike most probes, the RFP-465 has a reflector at its tip and a long pass filter at an orientation normal to the probe’s axis. When the probe’s laser beam passes through the sample, the backscatter combined with the forward scatter from the reflector results in double the collected Raman signal. The reflector also directs both the Raman and laser signals back through the probe to the long pass filter. The filter allows the Raman signal through it but reflects the laser signal back through the sample to the reflector. With some attenuation each time, the laser signal bounces back and forth between the filter and the reflector, enhancing the Raman signal by approximately an order of magnitude.

“The RFP-465 is the only commercial Raman sampling device to provide more than a 4x enhancement compared to a conventional probe. Each factor of two enhancement in signal level can translate into a factor of four reduction in the time required to make a given measurement,” Mike Doyle, PhD, CEO, Axiom Analytical, told IBO. He said that the RFP-465 can be used for a variety of applications, such as the analysis of natural gas. According to Dr. Doyle, the company believes that the product will promote adoption of Raman spectroscopy as a competitor of GC, with the benefits of higher speed and lower cost.

Priced at $14,200, the first RFP-465 shipped earlier this month.

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