Horiba XPloRA PLUS Raman Confocal Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope Access

The confocal Raman microscope allows chemical mapping of surfaces with diffraction limited resolution. At this stage, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is not offered as a service. The capabilities of the microscope are outlined by the manufacturer in the link below.

https://www.horiba.com/en_en/products/detail/action/show/Product/xplora-nano-1844/

If you have samples you would like imaged, contact Luke McCourt @ luke.mccourt@newcastle.edu.au to arrange a feasibility assessment. This will consist of a 1 hour session to determine the feasibility and duration of imaging. Following this a quote will be issued based on the estimated duration. The initial email should include optical images of particles or surfaces of interest if possible. Excitation wavelengths and approximate Raman peak wavenumbers should also be included.

If you wish to be trained to use the Raman microscope unsupervised you will need to undertake a laser eye safety test which can be arranged though UoN Health Service https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/uni-life/campus/campus-amenities/medical-centres. Following this, email the laser eye safety certificate to Luke McCourt @ luke.mccourt@newcastle.edu.au and arrange a lab induction. Perform a lab induction and attend a training session which will familiarise the user with the Raman microscope. The lab induction will take approximately 4 hours and requires an additional 2 hours of supervised operation before unsupervised work can commence.

The system also functions as an atomic force microscope (AFM). Requesting access to the AFM is the same as for the Raman microscope except the laser eye safety test is not required.

Table 1 Pricing