What you are measuring

Describe the material, substrate or container, target compound and required identification, mapping or quantitative result. Specify concentration or feature size where known, and request measurements on representative samples to assess feasibility.

Describe surface shape, roughness and height variation. Supported focus tracking can follow suitable surfaces during collection, but objective working distance, sample reflectivity, stage travel and focus-tracking limits still need checking.

Where the measurement happens

For immobile samples, evaluate a fibre-coupled analyser with the appropriate probe and objective. Confirm access, fibre length, environmental limits, working distance and laser controls at the measurement location.

Fluorescence can obscure Raman signals. Test suitable excitation wavelengths and acquisition conditions first; a supported time-resolved configuration can separate signals by arrival time for some difficult samples. Confirm the complete configuration and achievable result on your material.

Assess method setup, user permissions, training, reports and data handling for the actual operators. Automation does not replace a validated method or the laboratory's quality procedures; confirm the software functions and licences offered.

Whether it must combine with other instruments

For Raman integrated with an SEM or another instrument, confirm model compatibility, sample access and the co-registration workflow. Specify the interfaces, software and acceptance demonstration required for correlating the measurements.

Choosing a Raman system for your work.

Start by establishing whether Raman can answer the chemical or structural question for your samples. Then compare excitation wavelength, spectral and spatial performance, sample access, mapping speed and software workflow. A research microscope, a fibre-coupled analyser and a dedicated imaging system can serve different tasks; representative-sample measurements help identify a suitable configuration.

What actually drives the decision

What you are measuring: Describe the material, substrate or container, target compound and required identification, mapping or quantitative result. Specify concentration or feature size where known, and request measurements on representative samples to assess feasibility.
Sample surface: Describe surface shape, roughness and height variation. Supported focus tracking can follow suitable surfaces during collection, but objective working distance, sample reflectivity, stage travel and focus-tracking limits still need checking.
Where the measurement happens: For immobile samples, evaluate a fibre-coupled analyser with the appropriate probe and objective. Confirm access, fibre length, environmental limits, working distance and laser controls at the measurement location.
Fluorescence: Fluorescence can obscure Raman signals. Test suitable excitation wavelengths and acquisition conditions first; a supported time-resolved configuration can separate signals by arrival time for some difficult samples. Confirm the complete configuration and achievable result on your material.
Who operates it: Assess method setup, user permissions, training, reports and data handling for the actual operators. Automation does not replace a validated method or the laboratory's quality procedures; confirm the software functions and licences offered.
Whether it must combine with other instruments: For Raman integrated with an SEM or another instrument, confirm model compatibility, sample access and the co-registration workflow. Specify the interfaces, software and acceptance demonstration required for correlating the measurements.

What each option is built for

inVia confocal Raman microscope (Renishaw)

Best suited to: General research-grade Raman across solids, liquids and thin films.

Typically runs in: University research groups and central facilities serving several departments.

Research-grade confocal Raman microscope
Pairs a research microscope with a high-performance Raman spectrometer
Records point spectra and chemical images
Works on solids, liquids and thin films
Laser, objective, detector and automation configurations to match the application

Confirm before selecting: Specify wavelength, spectral range, resolution, objectives and mapping requirements. Check sample heating or photochemical changes at the proposed laser power and exposure, with site and laser-safety requirements confirmed for the configuration.

Full specification for inVia confocal Raman microscope

inVia Qontor confocal Raman microscope (Renishaw)

Best suited to: Uneven, curved or rough surfaces that would otherwise need pre-scanning.

Typically runs in: Research groups whose samples are not flat, and facilities wanting the most automated inVia configuration.

Flagship model of the inVia range
LiveTrack focus tracking collects spectra and topography in real time
No pre-scanning required on uneven, curved or rough surfaces
Full automation and internal calibration

Confirm before selecting: Demonstrate focus tracking on representative surface shapes within the objective and stage limits. Confirm the offered lasers, objectives, software, site requirements and laser-safety arrangements.

Full specification for inVia Qontor confocal Raman microscope

inVia InSpect confocal Raman microscope (Renishaw)

Best suited to: Non-contact Raman examination of suitable forensic trace materials.

Typically runs in: Forensic science laboratories and police scientific services.

inVia microscope configured for forensic laboratories
Identifies crystalline powders, ceramic shards, glass fragments, fibres and inks
Non-contact analysis that can preserve evidence when suitable laser conditions are established
Brightfield and darkfield imaging modes

Confirm before selecting: Agree evidence handling, reference-library coverage, method validation and reporting. Verify power density and exposure on suitable representative material: Raman illumination can heat or alter sensitive samples. Define laser-safety arrangements for the setup.

Full specification for inVia InSpect confocal Raman microscope

Strada Intelligent Raman Microscope (Renishaw)

Best suited to: Industrial laboratories analysing sub-micrometre particles and trace contaminants.

Typically runs in: Industrial QC and contract analysis laboratories seeking guided analysis with defined methods and operator training.

High-performance Raman microscope built for industrial laboratories
Full automation with workflow-driven Raman Workspace software
Configuration options for small particles and weak Raman signals
Application workflows to evaluate for contaminants and other target materials

Confirm before selecting: Provide target particle sizes, concentrations and substrates for a feasibility demonstration. Confirm detection performance, workflow, software permissions, records, training and site requirements for the offered configuration.

Full specification for Strada Intelligent Raman Microscope

Virsa Raman analyser (Renishaw)

Best suited to: Analysis outside the laboratory, where the sample cannot be moved.

Typically runs in: Field, plant and heritage work, and laboratories supporting production sites.

Transportable system with fibre-optic-coupled probes
Microscopic and bulk analysis outside the laboratory
Optional LiveTrack focus tracking for suitable irregular or changing samples
Live white-light viewing

Confirm before selecting: Confirm the probe, objective, fibre length and LiveTrack option if required. Check environmental and access limits, sample compatibility and laser controls at each intended location; portability does not imply unrestricted outdoor or hazardous-area use.

Full specification for Virsa Raman analyser

RA802 Pharmaceutical analyser (Renishaw)

Best suited to: Pharmaceutical formulation work and tablet chemical imaging.

Typically runs in: Pharmaceutical manufacturers and formulation development laboratories.

Dedicated Raman imaging system for pharmaceutical formulation
StreamLine rapid imaging with LiveTrack focus tracking
Chemical imaging with acquisition time dependent on mapped area, sampling and signal quality
Maps components that can be distinguished by the selected spectral method

Confirm before selecting: Supply representative formulations and the required map area, spatial sampling and analysis time. Confirm component discrimination, acquisition conditions, reports and qualification scope for the intended development or QC workflow.

Full specification for RA802 Pharmaceutical analyser

RA816 Biological Analyser (Renishaw)

Best suited to: Raman imaging of tissue sections and biofluids for biological research.

Typically runs in: Biological and clinical research laboratories, and medical college research units.

Compact benchtop Raman imaging for biological and clinical research
Maps biochemical spectral differences for appropriate analysis methods
Works on tissue biopsies, tissue sections and biofluids
Label-free measurements with preparation determined by the sample and method

Confirm before selecting: Define sample preparation, substrates, biosafety and the analysis model. Establish method performance for the research question; a research analyser is not by itself an approved clinical diagnostic workflow. Confirm site and training requirements.

Full specification for RA816 Biological Analyser

Include in your enquiry

Request the complete laser, spectrometer, detector, objective and software configuration
Agree site requirements and laser-safety responsibilities for the instrument and accessories
Define representative-sample demonstrations and acceptance criteria before purchase
Confirm installation and applications-training scope, including method setup
Check compatibility and inclusion of probes, cells, objectives and other required accessories
Specify warranty, service arrangements, calibration and maintenance options in the quotation

Send the sample material, substrate or container, target measurement, feature size or concentration, and where the work will take place. Include required mapping speed, data output and any quality-system requirements. We can use these details to discuss a suitable configuration and the sample demonstration needed before ordering.