New from Mesophotonics, makers of the recently launched Klarite surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate, is Klarite sCAL, a physical reference for verification of the calibration of Raman spectrometers. Unlike any previous standard, sCAL slides are produced up to 50 at a time from a single silicon wafer. This means that, for the first time, organisations running multiple instruments will be able to synchronise calibration within laboratories and even between sites, for significant improvements in productivity and traceability.

For laboratories using a single Raman spectrometer, Klarite sCAL provides a silicon reference mounted on an easy to use standard three-inch glass microscope slide, each of which is individually numbered for traceability. Application of these standards will also significantly enhance instrument qualification and validation (IQ/OQ testing).

For organisations running multiple Raman instruments, Klarite sCAL can be supplied as a series of slides with reference ‘chips’ all cut from a single silicon wafer. Each chip is mounted on its own slide and numbered sequentially. This unique set of up to 50 slides acts as a single calibration reference that can be used to synchronise instruments, even instruments on different sites. This means that, for the first time research laboratories, pharmaceutical production facilities and quality control departments have the flexibility to carry out Raman analysis on two or more instruments in parallel, with the potential to speed up projects considerably, and with no loss in accuracy or reliability of results.

Analysis using Raman relies on the precise measurement of the unique fingerprint spectra produced by compounds and individual chemicals. Even a very small drift in calibration of the spectrometer can have significant effect on comparative results. Although most instruments are supplied with self-calibrating software, a physical reference standard is also required by most quality assurance systems, for regular verification.

The use of Raman for analysis in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, and in forensics, homeland security and analytical chemistry, is on the up following the launch of the Klarite, the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate, earlier this year (Jan 2005). The new substrate significantly enhances Raman signals and offers unparalleled levels of reproducibility, enabling faster, higher accuracy detection of biological and chemical samples at lower detection limits. Klarite is compatible with existing Raman instruments, but the SERS signals that are generated are many orders of magnitude more intense than traditional Raman signals.

Klarite sCAL is made using silicon of known purity and doping mounted in a defined crystallographic direction, making it easier to compare reference spectra to published data. sCAL devices are shipped clean in sealed packs so that they are ready to use on arrival.

For further information contact
John Lincoln
Mesophotonics Ltd.
2 Venture Road, Chilworth Science Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 7NP.
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8076 3752 Fax: +44 (0) 23 8076 3757
email: sales@mesophotonics.com