Tucson, AZ--Raman spectrometer (http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/print/volume-49/issue-03/features/spectroscopy--terahertz-raman--accessing-molecular-structure-wit.html) manufacturer Rigaku Raman Technologies released a new version of its FirstGuard handheld Raman analyzer--calling it the first handheld spectrometer device equipped with 1064 nm wavelength excitation. Rigaku Raman also opened a new manufacturing facility in Tucson, AZ where FirstGuard and other Rigaku Raman spectrometers are manufactured using state-of-the-art optical science and analytical device development.
Rigaku Raman says the FirstGuard's ability to operate at 1064 nm sets a new industry standard for being able to identify a significantly broader range of raw materials and provide very rapid validation, while also maintaining key customer requirements such as ease-of-use, portability, affordability and reliability. While competing 785 nm wavelength excitation products can only identify approximately 70% of encountered raw materials in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods manufacturing due to chronic fluorescence interference, the FirstGuard 1064 can reliably identify those same materials and also identify appreciably more materials that 785 nm excitation cannot. The 1064nm technology also enables analysis through many dark glasses and plastics--something that is difficult to impossible with 785 nm spectrometers.
"Rigaku Raman is committed to making the world a safer place by leveraging the power of science and technology to deliver innovative products such as our 1064nm FirstGuard analyzer," said Bree Allen, GM at Rigaku Raman Technologies. "When dealing with safety-critical applications, our customers can't afford to be 70% accurate in their on-site RMID process, having to rely on validation of 30% of their materials by other time consuming techniques. The FirstGuard can quickly and simply analyze many more of these raw materials which is why it is becoming the world's number one choice for a Raman handheld analyzer. We look forward to bringing the FirstGuard's new capabilities to our customers and are committed to leading the industry with the type of innovation that can contribute to the enhancement of humanity."
FirstGuard spectrometers include an integrated bar code reader enabling the FirstGuard to be turnkey for GMP Raw Material Identification (RMID) applications in the Pharmaceutical industry; enhanced user account management enabling better fleet management and control; upgraded data reporting and archiving offering improved analysis tracking and accounting; and improved data and operator security to support simpler integration into FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
Equipped with an integrated vial holder and hot swappable lithium ion battery, FirstGuard is configured with secure software for 21 CFR part 11 compliance.
SOURCE: Rigaku Raman Technologies; http://www.rigakuraman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/PittCon-Release_3_11_13.pdf
IMAGE: Rigaku unveiled what it is calling the first handheld Raman spectrometer operating at 1064 nm. (Image credit: Rigaku Raman Technologies)