Setting the Standard for Fast Chemical Imaging

To meet the market requirement for ever faster chemical imaging systems, Renishaw’s latest generation of fast Raman imaging systems – StreamLineTM Plus, has combined hardware, software, and firmware to optimise data collection, visualisation, and processing. StreamLineTM Plus is the fastest fully-scaleable Raman imaging system available in the market place today - it is possible to use readout times as short as 6 ms per spectrum; a high-quality image of an entire tablet can be collected in less than four minutes. The combination of line focus (which minimises sample damage), a high-speed encoded stage (HSES), and synchronised readout of the CCD detector enables images to be collected both rapidly and at variable spatial resolution. There are no limits to the image area dimensions imposed by the objective field of view, therefore maximising adaptability and eliminating the need to stitch images together for large area coverage, resulting in artefact-free results.

The integration of the latest WiRE 3.1 software with StreamLineTM Plus offers numerous benefits to Raman users. Regions of interest are simple to set up using optical micrograph montages, experiments can be queued and chemical images can be viewed and manipulated during acquisition, and a comprehensive suite of visualisation and chemometric tools are available to process and analyse the collected data. The result is an intuitive workflow from sample loading to final reporting. WiRE 3.1 also offers a range of new features including full support for multiple detectors, automatic spectrometer configuration for rapid ‘hands-free’ excitation wavelength changes, and enhanced integration tools for third party products (tandem systems).
Dr Nick Stone, from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital routinely uses StreamLineTM for screening biopsies, commented: "To date, histological application of Raman mapping has been limited due to lengthy mapping times. StreamlineTM Raman imaging is a novel mapping technique that has reduced total mapping times to a level that is becoming clinically practicable." With StreamLineTM Plus a further 2 to 4 fold reduction in analysis time would be expected.