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