The SpectRIM Slide is a 3.0x1.0x0.1 inch plastic carrier with an optically flat 0.9X0.9 inch stainless-steel plate coated with an ultra-thin (<50 nm) hydrophobic layer.

The hydrophobic coated stainless steel plate is referred to as the "substrate". It is the active surface of the slide.

The 1X3 inch dimensions are the same as that of a standard optical microscope slide. This SpectRIM Slide is compatible with most types of manual and robotic instrumentation for microscopic analysis and array technologies.

The SpectRIM Slide is designed for micro-Raman, reflectance IR, and reflectance light microscopy. The highly reflective surface has no detectable Raman or IR background signal. This substrate is ideal for measuring small quantities of material, especially from dilute solutions in polar solvents (such as water).

When applied to the substrate, the sample will bead up and dry with a smaller diameter than when applied to an untreated surface. There is also some signal amplification because of reflection off of the highly polished surface.

Teflon films are much thicker than the SpectRIM Slide and will have appreciable Raman and IR signals.

While Raman and IR spectra are both vibrational spectra, the interaction of light with the sample is different, i.e. absorption and scattering of light, respectively. IR spectra provides information primarily about polar bonds, like O-H, N-H. Raman spectra provide information primarily about symmetric bonds, like C=C, C-S, S-S. The information contained in the two vibrational spectra is thus complementary.

Typically, sample deposition and measurement is an easy three-step procedure:

• Step 1 - Deposition:
  A small liquid sample is deposited onto the Tienta Substrate using a pipette;
• Step 2 - Incubation:
  The sample is allowed to dry for 20 minutes under ambient conditions;
• Step 3 - Measurement:
  Upon focusing the incident beam of a micro-Raman or IR instrument onto an area of the outer ring, the spectra of a deposited material can be acquired in seconds to minutes.

Typically, a sample of a few microliters completely dries on the Substrate under ambient conditions within 20 minutes. Analysis time depends upon the IR or Raman system used.

Raman spectra of high quality can be obtained manually from 1-10-uL samples of a protein solution down to concentrations of 1 uM .

When a protein solution is deposited onto the Tienta SpectRIM Slide, the protein accumulates in a circular ring along the perimeter as the sample dries. The Raman spectrum is then taken of the concentrated protein in the outer ring. The low background noise of the Tienta Substrate improves spectra quality.

The proteins appear to remain well-hydrated as judged from IR spectra showing the presence of water and with comparison of Raman spectra of proteins in solution

Yes, an active ingredient of a tablet can be characterized with both Raman and IR spectroscopy even when the ingredient is present in the tablet at a low concentration. The ingredient extracted from the tablet, is applied to the Substrate and analyzed after solvent evaporation.

Typically, a few microliters to sub-microliter aliquots are used. These samples can be manually deposited using a pipette. To reduce the amount of material, nano-deposition instrumentation can be used to deposit much smaller samples (sub-nanoliter aliquots).

Washing or re-using the Slides is not recommended! Attempting to wash the Tienta Substrate can result in the adsorption of traces of contaminants on the surface or scratching of the surface which compromise the hydrophobic and optical characteristics. Additionally, the previous sample may have altered the surface of the slide or may remain on the slid and the hydrophobic character of the slide will decrease each time the slide is washed. However, if you choose to wash a slide, either soak the slide in or use a stream of water, methanol or ethanol. Allow the solvent to evaporate completely. Do not wipe the slide as this may scratch the surface, which will compromise the hydrophobic and optical properties.

Yes, one can deposit several samples. To avoid cross contamination, it is advisable to leave at least 1 cm between the samples. Over 30 sample depositions was done on a single SpectRIM.

One can perform multiple cycles of applying and drying a sample to build up the sample on the slide.