Description

The Raster Orbital Scanning (ROS) feature of the IDRaman family of products from Ocean Optics has been recognised as one of 2013’s 15 best innovation technologies by The Analytical Scientist magazine, an industry publication. ROS is a novel Raman spectroscopy sampling technique that helps to derive more accurate and comprehensive measurement results. The IDRaman mini handheld Raman spectrometer and the IDRaman reader integrated Raman spectrometer both feature ROS.

ROS increases the sensitivity of Raman measurements up to 10 fold by rastering a tightly focused laser beam over a larger area, encountering more Raman-active compounds. The reduction of the background by ROS provides a more accurate result and is especially ideal for applications like surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Rastering a tightly focused beam allows the resolution of measurement to be mainlined, ensuring accuracy for applications that rely on library matching.

ROS offers the advantage of allowing higher laser powers to be used for measurement without damage to the sample. This supports the development of low-cost Raman detection in mainstream applications such as anti-counterfeit and medical diagnostics. By scanning a larger area with a the laser beam, The Analytical Scientist points out that conventional paper could be used as a SERS substrate for a point-of-care diagnostic tests, as opposed to pristine surfaces.

“This unique sampling technique helps make Raman measurements more accurate and reliable, enabling our customers to do more,” said Richard Pollard, President of Ocean Optics. “We are excited to hear that Raster Orbital Scanning has received this award.”