Laser-assisted Particle Analysis

Especially in the field of technical cleanliness, the chemical composition as well as the molecular structure of metallic and non-metallic particles can be determined within seconds by laser-assisted analysis.

The first-time use of high-resolution spectrometers in this field makes it possible to precisely determine not only coarse material groups, but also alloys, especially in the area of metallic materials. The chemical fingerprint of the sample allows a direct determination of the composition by comparison with extensive databases. Thus, not only can the hazard potential of the particles be assessed, but it is also possible to trace them back to their source.

The Coralis intuitively guides the user through the analysis in a multi-stage process. First, high-resolution imaging is used to determine the particle number and size distribution and to determine the analysis range. Then Raman, LIBS or combined analysis can be selected. Thanks to the use of three lasers, the respective analysis is optimized for a wide variety of samples.

The measurements of both techniques are completed within a few seconds. The world’s largest database of high-quality reference spectra from Bio Rad is available for the analysis of Raman spectra. Modern, powerful univariate and multivariate analysis methods enable reliable material classification and the quantification of the elements contained.

The few existing devices in this field usually offer only one of the two spectroscopy techniques and only in low spectral resolution. The unique double-echelle configuration of the Coralis, on the other hand, provides an unprecedented depth of information. The combination of the two methods within one instrument enables comprehensive chemical analysis and avoids the problem of particle relocation when samples have to be analyzed in different instruments. Comparable investigations using SEM/EDS require a multiple of the processing time.

The Coralis instrument is, as a result of an extensive development phase, a big leap forward in laser particle analysis and has the potential to take quality management in the automotive, pharmaceutical and other industries to a new level.