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inLux™ – SEM Raman interface

A universal solution for in-situ SEM Raman analysis

The innovative inLux™ SEM Raman interface brings high-quality Raman functionality to your scanning electron microscope (SEM) chamber. Now you can collect Raman spectra that can produce images in 2D and 3D whilst simultaneously imaging in SEM. The sample remains static between SEM imaging and Raman data collection modes, so you can be confident of precise co-location when comparing Raman images and SEM images.

The inLux interface offers a comprehensive range of Raman capabilities. You can collect spectra from single points, multiple points, or generate 2D and 3D confocal Raman images. The inLux interface comes fully equipped for all this work as standard, enabling you to analyse volumes larger than 0.5 mm in each axis. It features fully encoded position control, down to 50 nm, assuring precise Raman imaging.

Key benefits

  • Information-rich – Raman, photoluminescence (PL) and spectral cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis is performed simultaneously and co-located with SEM imaging.
  • Universal – The inLux interface can be mounted on a wide range of SEMs from different manufacturers, with different chamber sizes, and without any SEM modification.
  • Non-invasive – The inLux probe can be fully retracted with a single click. This ensures that the probe does not interfere with other SEM functions or workflows when not in use.
  • Determine distribution – Confocal Raman images can be produced as standard thereby enabling easy measurement of sample heterogeneity.
  • Sample viewing – Large area optical imaging and montaging for visualising your sample and targeting areas of interest.
  • Configurable – Up to two different excitation laser wavelengths, plus an optional CL module.
  • Automated – One-click switching of laser wavelengths for Raman analysis of challenging samples.
Parameters Value
Mass < 20 kg
Fibre optic cable length 4.6 m
Compatible Raman spectrometers Renishaw inVia confocal Raman microscope, Renishaw Virsa analyser
Compatible SEM models Compatible with models from all major SEM suppliers
SEM port requirement Requires free SEM side or rear port
SEM performance The inLux interface does not require any SEM modification and can be fully retracted when not in use so it does not interfere with SEM performance or that of other accessories
Movement control Trackpad, WiRE software
Contact protection Touch sensor, safe working volume monitored using absolute encoders
Laser safety Laser interlocked to chamber vacuum
Raman mapping/imaging Supplied as standard
Fibre optic module selection Up to two different laser excitation wavelengths + optional cathodoluminescence module
Available laser excitation wavelengths 405 nm, 532 nm, 660 nm, 785 nm (others available on request)
Laser switching Automated, motorised and software controlled
Lateral spatial resolution < 1 µm @ 532 nm
Confocal performance < 6 µm @ 532 nm
Spectral resolution See spectrometer specification sheet
Dimensions W 804 mm x H 257 mm x D 215 mm

Identifying contaminants

Raman spectroscopy is a non-contact and non-destructive technique that can provide highly specific chemical information making it ideal for identifying contaminants. Raman spectroscopy is particularly powerful for analysing carbon and organic contaminants that would be difficult to differentiate using elemental analysis. An SEM can be used to locate and study the morphology of small contaminant particles that cannot be resolved by optical microscopy. Next, these particles can be directly targeted for Raman analysis using the inLux interface, without having to move the sample.

Materials analysis

Many of the novel properties exhibited by materials arise from their size, shape or thickness. Graphene, nanorods and nanotubes are examples of where the high magnification of scanning electron microscopy is vital to visualise the sample. As well as revealing the chemical and structural nature of the material, Raman analysis can also provide information on physical properties. The inLux interface can produce Raman images illustrating crystallinity, strain, and electronic properties that can be correlated to those from the SEM.