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WP 638X Raman Spectrometer Series

The NEW WP 638X series is the most comprehensive family of 638 nm Raman spectrometers available. As Raman spectroscopists. we understand that each application is unique. As such, we know that every Raman spectroscopist requires specific configuration options to optimize their research or product development. Solving this unmet need was why the X series was created. We deliver all the features, software, and support you need for Raman:

  • High NA, f/1.3 optical design for best-in-class sensitivity or f/1.8 design for higher spectral resolution
  • Scientific grade detectors: regulated to 10ºC (high QE) or cooled to -15ºC (lower noise)
  • Optical coupling via fiber (with or without integrated laser), or fully integrated Raman probe
  • Two robust, thermally stable form factors: certified lab-ready units or equivalent OEM engines
  • Replaceable slits to allow tradeoff between optical throughput and spectral resolution
  • 270 – 3800 cm-1 measurement range, < 10 cm-1 resolution, optional 200 mW laser
  • Open-source ENLIGHTEN™ software & SDKs for Raman
Download X series specifications
Download X series manual

Complete Your Raman System

638 nm Raman is a good alternate to the more popular Raman wavelength of 785 nm, and is often used for applications like SERS (surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy). The choice between a flexible, probe-based Raman system and a fully integrated, compact one depends largely upon which optical coupling method is best for your application or sample. Sensitivity, size, and laser control may also be considered. If you have a vision, we have the knowledge & experience to help you create your ideal solution. Learn more about our system configuration options

FULLY MODULAR SYSTEMA fully modular Raman system uses fibers to route excitation light between laser, probe, and spectrometer. This is ideal for bringing Raman to the sample.

Start with the WP 638X-IC

SEMI-INTEGRATED SYSTEMA semi-integrated Raman system combines the spectrometer and laser into a compact, cost-effective footprint, with direct laser power control via software.

Start with the WP 638X-ILC

FULLY INTEGRATED SYSTEMA fully integrated Raman system combines the laser, sampling optics, and spectrometer with high optical efficiency, offering direct laser power control via software.

Start with the WP 638X-ILP

Optical Specifications

DETECTOR COOLING OPTIONS
TEC-Regulated (-R)TEC-Cooled (-C)
SPECTROMETER (-IC model)Spectral range270-3800 cm-1270-3500 cm-1
Resolution
(25 µm slit)
f/1.3 input9 cm-110 cm-1
f/1.8 input7 cm-18 cm-1
Detector TEC setpoint10 ± 0.2°C-15 ± 0.2°C
Minimum integration time3 ms8 ms
OPTIONAL INTEGRATED LASER (-ILC, -ILP models)Laser type638 nm, multimode
Laser powerUp to 200 mW, controlled via ENLIGHTENTM software
OPTIONAL INTEGRATED PROBE (-ILP model)Working distance (from face of lens)22 mm
Laser spot size (nominal)120 µm
Note: Specifications are subject to change based on available components & manufacturing data.

INPUT APERTURE OPTIONS

We offer two input aperture options, allowing you to balance signal vs resolution for your specific needs. A lower f/# optical bench results in a higher collection efficiency, and thus a higher signal level, so choose our f/1.3 configuration option to get the highest signal spectra. Selecting our f/1.8 configuration option will give you slightly less signal, but will improve the resolution.

SLIT SIZE OPTIONS

We offer a 25 μm slit as standard for the WP 638X series, and 15 & 50 μm slits as options to achieve better resolution or more throughput, respectively. Sensitivity and resolution are competing factors when choosing slit size. A larger slit allows more light to enter the spectrometer, increasing sensitivity for low-light applications. Resolution improves, however, as slit width is reduced (though not always linearly). Due to the high sensitivity of our low f/# spectrometer designs, it is often possible to use a smaller slit width than would be required with a typical f/4 spectrometer, allowing you to achieve higher resolution.

DETECTOR COOLING OPTIONS

We offer two detector cooling options for the WP 638X series to help you to balance your desired signal to noise and thermal stability against power draw and cost for maximum value:

  • TEC-regulated (-R): Detector is cooled externally to 10 ± 0.2°C (See right, top plots)
  • TEC-cooled (-C): Detector has integrated cooling to -15 ± 0.2°C (See right, lower plots)

Due to the superior optical throughput of the X series, the majority of users are able to operate at integration times of 1000 ms or less. This makes a TEC-regulated (R) detector suitable for most applications, even for challenging Raman samples. Need advice? Contact us to discuss what’s best for your specific application.

Software & Hardware

SPECTROMETER (-IC)SPECTROMETER + LASER (-ILC)SPECTROMETER + LASER + PROBE (-ILP)
Spectrometer inputFiber-coupled SMA 905 connector
(FC/PC, free space collimating lens, or open slit upon request)
Fully integrated sampling optics:
22 mm working distance,
120 µm laser spot size on sample
Laser outputN/AFC/PC connector
CommunicationsUSB 2.0 Type B connector
Software / controlENLIGHTENTM Raman spectroscopy software & SDKs included
Library matchingIdentify Raman spectra via Wiley's KnowItAll Raman Spectral Library
(free trial, fully integrated into ENLIGHTENTM)
Operating temperature0°C to 40°C, non-condensing
Dimensions & weightLaboratory/housed units: 24.3 x 17.2 x 6.0 cm, <2.3 kg
OEM modules on a baseplate: 23.6 x 16.5 x 5.3 cm, <1.3 kg

Operating Software & SDKs

Our free ENLIGHTEN™ spectroscopy software has all the features and control you need to quickly and easily collect Raman spectra from Wasatch Photonics spectrometers. View your spectra live, overlay current data with previous scans, or export raw and processed spectral data for further analysis. Learn more

Software development kits (SDKs) are also available to enable custom software development. We’ve created these drivers for developers who want to integrate our spectrometers into your own Python or C# applications, or for advanced users who wish to control our spectrometers from interactive graphical environments like LabVIEW or MATLAB. Download now

Raman Library Matching

Wasatch Photonics Raman spectroscopy customers receive a complimentary trial of Wiley Science Solution’s KnowItAll Raman Identification Pro for spectral identification. Accessible through the Wasatch Photonics ENLIGHTEN software, users benefit from the comprehensive, high-quality database of reference Raman spectra in a single software application, thereby enhancing the user experience. Wiley offers the largest collection of Raman spectra in the world along with fast and accurate spectral search software. How it works

Documentation

Competitive Advantage

Our Raman spectrometers are far more sensitive and higher throughput than the average compact spectrometer – to give you better spectra in less time. We’ve made them robust & reproducible enough to give reliable answers in the lab, the field, or the hospital. We offer more configurations than any other Raman spectrometer provider, and help you to find the right fit through our expertise & experience, supported by Raman-specific software tools with full data transparency so that you have full control over data analysis. We care enough to listen to our customers and respond, and we will listen to your needs to help you get the best solution possible. Select one of the icons below to learn more about a specific capability, or download the full tech note describing our benefits:

Sensitivity icon
Reliability icon
Configurability icon
Ease of Use icon
Data Access icon


X series benefit #1: Configurable design, comprehensive options

The X series uses a highly configurable optomechanical design that is scalable from 1 to >1000, making it quick & easy to customize to a wide range of applications and use case requirements. By tailoring each spectrometer or Raman system to your unique needs, you get maximum performance at far less weight and cost than with traditional benchtop Raman. These units cover the fingerprint and functional region with <10 cm-1 resolution, making them suitable for most identification, diagnostic, and process applications. Each unit comes with onboard calibration data for spectral response and wavelength, which ensures high spectral accuracy and unit-to-unit reproducibility. We offer several measurement setups, and advice on Raman spectroscopy system design.

X series benefit #2: Full spectrometer customization

Our robust, modular optomechanical design adapts to your unique application needs with options to balance signal and noise with resolution, power consumption, and degree of system integration. Design your own, or let our expertise & testing guide you to the best configuration for your needs. Configuration options include:

  • System configuration: spectrometer only (IC), with integrated laser (ILC), or with integrated laser and sampling optics/probe (ILP)
  • Sample coupling: external fiber optic Raman probe vs integrated probe (learn more)
  • Input aperture: f/1.3 input to collect more signal, or f/1.8 input to achieve better resolution
  • Detector cooling level: temperature-regulated detector (10°C) or TEC-cooled detector (-15°C) (learn more)
  • Slit size: 25 µm is standard, 15 µm & 50 µm custom
  • Usage: laboratory unit vs the equivalent OEM module for integration into another instrument (learn more)

X series benefit #3: OEM-ready to accelerate your product development

We created the WP 638X for emerging OEMs – researchers and instrument manufacturers who are developing innovative new applications of Raman that require a compact module and/or portable Raman spectroscopy system. That’s why we use the same sensitive, robust & highly reproducible optomechanical design for both the laboratory & OEM versions of our WP 638X series spectrometers and systems. This allows you to complete proof of concept and method development with a laboratory 638X series system, then transition directly to the equivalent OEM module for volume production –  with no change in performance or need to update your matching libraries or chemometric models. You get the stability and reproducibility of an OEM instrument and research-grade results from day one, and reliable data you can use to build models for use in the field. More ‘OEM Inside’ benefits:

  • Configurable, scalable modules and Raman spectroscopy systems, at volumes of 1 to >1000
  • Transition easily and confidently from research to product development
  • Programmer-friendly, open-source software & SDKs in multiple languages, GitHub access
  • OEM partnership & consultation, from product design to volume production
  • Faster time to market with less surprises
  • Ideal for point-of-use instruments in the field, the lab, the clinic, and industry

Learn more about our OEM philosophy, capabilities, and support

Common Raman Spectral Bands

The pattern of peaks in a Raman spectrum is unique to the sample, providing a fingerprint which can be used to identify or analyze the material. The ‘fingerprint’ region up to 1500 cm-1 is often enough to confirm identity, while the extended ‘functional’ region out to 3600 cm-1 includes bands for additional, functional groups in a molecule. In addition to our standard models, we can design custom range spectrometers for OEMs. See below for common Raman spectral bands and how they compare to the range of the WP 638X with regulated (-R) or TEC-cooled (-C) detector.

Alternate System Configurations

Need something slightly different? We offer a higher-end line of Raman spectrometers for the most challenging measurements, and OEM modules that are even more compact than the X series for handheld instruments. Consider the option below, or explore our full family of Raman products.

BEST RESOLUTION, LOW NOISE SPECTROMETER

  • High NA, f/1.5 optical design for best-in-class sensitivity or f/2.0 design for higher FWHM spectral resolution
  • Choice of spectral range: -SR (100-2500 cm-1 with 4 cm-1 resolution) or -ER (100-3750 cm-1 with 6 cm-1 resolution)
  • Preconfigured with Andor iDus 416 series camera, or configurable with user-supplied camera
  • Choice of SMA or free space cage system as input
  • Optomechanical shutter for dark measurements

WP 633XL spectrometer

OEM Options

The WP 638X is a unique series of Raman products designed to meet the needs of both researchers and OEMs, based upon a highly sensitive, configurable and manufacturable platform that accelerates an application’s journey from research to reality. At the research/ innovation stage, we get you started with a high throughput, low noise optical bench configured to your exact needs – and reconfigurable for future projects. Then, when you’re ready to take your concept to market, we simply remove the cover. That’s it. No redesign, no model redevelopment, no rework – just speed. We call it ‘OEM Inside’. Let’s take a look:


This unique ‘OEM Inside’ approach allows you to streamline both the instrument design and the product development process, with less risk. You focus on developing your turnkey solution, while we focus on providing superior Raman hardware. Explore our performance-equivalent WP 638X OEM models:

OEM SPECTROMETER

  • Off-the-shelf spectrometer module
  • Add your own OEM laser module
  • Customize your probe/sample optics

WP 638X-IC-OEM

SPECTROMETER + LASER

  • Spectrometer + laser on baseplate
  • 200 mW multimode laser
  • Integrate with your own optics/probe

WP 638X-ILC-OEM

FULLY INTEGRATED

  • Integrated spectrometer, laser & probe
  • 200 mW multi-mode laser
  • Field-replaceable laser design

WP 638X-ILP-OEM

Other Wavelength Options

532 nm Raman
638 nm Raman
785 nm Raman
830 nm Raman
1064 nm Raman

Choosing the right Raman wavelength for your application is a question of balancing sensitivity and selectivity. Although shorter wavelengths deliver the strongest Raman signal, fluorescence background can degrade signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) if the wrong wavelength is used. That’s why we offer wavelengths from 532-1064 nm, matching your specific needs and sample type to the best wavelength for the application. Click on the buttons above to explore our alternate wavelengths. Still unsure of what you need? Read our tech note, Choosing your Raman excitation wavelength, or contact us for a personal consultation or sample testing.

Technical Notes

  • Choosing a Portable Raman Spectrometer
    Why Wasatch for Raman? Learn the most important qualities in a portable Raman spectrometer, how they impact your research or product development, and how we deliver the sensitivity, reliability, configurability, ease of use, and data access you need.
  • Reproducible Raman Measurements
    Raman OEM applications need consistent spectra to deliver dependable answers. Learn how to achieve >99.5% unit-to-unit agreement using a series of simple corrections.
  • Raman: Wavelength Matters
    Learn how to choose the right excitation wavelength to achieve maximum signal and minimum noise, from 405-1064 nm, for a wide range of sample types.