Simple homemade Raman spectrometer / microscope

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the construction of a homemade Raman spectrometer that also functions as a microscope. Key components include a 532nm laser for excitation, an infinity-corrected microscope objective, a 200 lines/mm diffraction grating, and a confocal lens pinhole setup. The design allows for the diffraction of wavelengths below 532nm towards a 5-megapixel camera positioned at 90 degrees to the incoming light, with the ability to capture full microscopic images by adjusting the diffraction grating angle. Users are encouraged to verify the design and components listed, which include specific products from Arducam and Edmund Optics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Raman spectroscopy principles
  • Familiarity with optical components such as diffraction gratings and microscope objectives
  • Knowledge of laser safety and handling
  • Basic skills in assembling optical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and applications of the Olympus PLN 4X Objective
  • Learn about the function and setup of confocal lens pinhole systems
  • Explore the use of 532nm lasers in spectroscopy
  • Investigate the properties and applications of dichroic filters in optical setups
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, researchers, and engineers interested in building optical instruments, particularly those focused on spectroscopy and microscopy. It is especially relevant for individuals looking to understand the integration of various optical components in experimental setups.

carmatic
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TL;DR
Please help me design and find the right parts for my Raman microscope.
SmartSelect_20201123-180923_WPS Office.jpg

Hello everyone, I am attempting to make a Raman spectrometer which can double as a microscope. It uses a 532nm laser for excitation, an infinity-corrected microscope objective to collimate the light, a 200 lines/mm diffraction grating, and a confocal lens pinhole setup. A 5 megapixel camera , with the lens focused at infinity for receiving collimated light, is at 90 degrees relative to the direction at which the light hits the diffraction grating.
The diffraction grating splits the wavelengths below 532nm towards the camera when the face normal is around 80 degrees relative to the incoming light, and reflects a full microscopic image when rotated to 45 degrees.

The focal point from the laser light appears as a bright dot in the middle of the microscopic image.
The confocal lens pinhole setup, in the inset, is used to isolate the light from this bright dot to be diffracted and separated into the individual wavelengths. It can be moved aside to allow the full image from the microscope objective to pass when a microscope image is desired.

Can someone verify that this is a correct design and the parts are okay?
Thanks in advance

Here are the numbered parts:
1. Arducam Raspberry Pi 5mp camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012ETE75I/?tag=pfamazon01-20

2. 1200 Grooves, 12.7mm Square, 1000nm Ruled Diffraction Grating https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/1200-grooves-127mm-square-1000nm-ruled-diffraction-grating/5257/

3. 12.5mm Diameter 45°, Green Dichroic Filter https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/1200-grooves-127mm-square-1000nm-ruled-diffraction-grating/5257/

4. 12.7mm Dia. x 19.1mm FL, VIS 0° Coated, Achromatic Lens https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/127mm-dia-x-191mm-fl-vis-0deg-coated-achromatic-lens/10223/

5. 532nm, 12.5mm Diameter, OD 4.0 Notch Filter https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/532nm-125mm-diameter-od-4-notch-filter/21647/

6. Olympus PLN 4X Objective https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/olympus-pln-4x-objective/29221/

Laser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018Z7ZLYY/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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I have access to a laser cutter and I have also built a provisional enclosure for the parts. I already own most of the parts except the confocal pinhole setup. I tried it out with a plastic bottle; The main plastic bottle body gives a broad response from green to red, while the bottle cap has a weak red signal in addition to the green Rayleigh scattering.

The camera seems to be picking up some invisible radiation which shows up as purple in the images, I would assume that it is unwanted infrared light from the laser?
 
carmatic said:
Summary:: ... and find the right parts
Photonics Spectra may be a good place to find parts.
Here's their web site: https://www.photonics.com/; Check out their buyers guide.
 

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