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WITec Launches the alpha300 Ri—a New Inverted Confocal Raman Microscope

WITec’s proven 3D Raman imaging functionality is now available in an inverted microscope

by WITec
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WITec alpha300 RiWITec has launched the alpha300 Ri inverted Raman microscope. It combines the advantages of data acquisition from below with the established merits of 3D confocal Raman imaging, a powerful and versatile technique that can chemically characterize samples nondestructively and without labeling or other specialized preparation. The speed, sensitivity and resolution of the WITec alpha300 series are now available from a new angle. Research applications in the fields of life sciences, biomedicine, and pharmaceutics will benefit in particular from the new setup.

The inverted beam geometry of the alpha300 Ri delivers many advantages in sample access and handling. Specimens in aqueous environments such as cell cultures can be examined more effectively. Standardized liquid sample holder formats can be quickly and easily mounted and measured. This accelerates the experimental workflow and helps ensure consistency. Investigations in materials science will be aided by the very large working area that can accommodate bulky samples and the set focal plane. The motorized sample stage also facilitates the mounting of environmental enclosures and other accessories. 

Many modular components and upgrade possibilities developed for the WITec alpha300 series are compatible with the Ri version. Other microscopy techniques associated with inverted microscopes, such as fluorescence, differential interference contrast (DIC) and phase-contrast can also be easily integrated. 

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According to Olaf Hollricher, director of research and development at WITec, “Researchers in life sciences are accustomed to working with inverted microscopes and their advantages for in vivo measurements, among others, are well-established. Developing a variant of our alpha300 confocal Raman imaging series with an inverted beam is a logical step in the evolution of our product line. Now the benefits of nondestructive, label-free molecular characterization are available from below the sample plane, backed up by all the modularity and upgradeability inherent in our systems.”

About WITec

WITec is a leading manufacturer of confocal and scanning-probe microscopes for state-of-the-art Raman Imaging, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (SNOM) in addition to being the developer of the integrated Raman Imaging and Scanning Electron (RISE) microscopy. WITec’s headquarters is located in Ulm, Germany, where all WITec products are developed and produced. Branch offices in USA, Japan, Singapore, China, and Spain provide a worldwide sales and support network. WITec has been distinguished by its innovative product portfolio and a microscope design that enables combinations of the various imaging techniques within one system. An exemplar of the company’s breakthrough development is the world’s first integrated Raman-AFM microscope. To this day, WITec’s confocal microscopes are unrivaled in sensitivity, resolution and imaging capabilities. Significant innovation awards such as the Achema Innovation Award 2015 for the fully automated apyron microscope and a Prism Award 2015 for RISE microscopy document WITec’s enduring success and innovative strength. 

The WITec alpha300 Ri will be showcased at Analytica 2018 in Munich at the WITec booth A2/402. For more information, please visit the product webpage at witec.de.