SORS Platform

Cobalt supplies Spatially Offset Raman systems based around its dedicated LiteThru™ engine.  This is a flexible platform for rapidly developing and implementing SORS with application-specific probe heads.

SORS platform schematic

The SORS platform includes Cobalt’s software for instrument control, which is designed to automate data acquisition, movement control and data analysis. It also includes the LiteThru engine, which is optimised for the high sensitivity required in many TRS and SORS experiments. Cobalt has developed several designs of probe heads that attach to the LiteThru engine by optical fibres. These probes are available to order from Cobalt as part of a complete system and can be fully customised to fit individual applications.

LiteThru™ Engine in 19” rackmount form

The engine at the heart of the platform delivers the laser and collected light to and from the probe head with a spectrograph and a low-noise cooled CCD detector.  It also integrates the control and power hardware to generate the SORS offsets and monitor laser power.  The probe head can be easily replaced with another if required for specific application by disconnecting its umbilical cord.

The engine is available in rackmount or standalone enclosures.

SORS Probes

A number of SORS probes are available.  The two standard geometries are ring illumination (inverse SORS) and point collection.  Inverse SORS has the advantages of reducing laser power densities for light-sensitive applications such as biomedical uses.  All probes are fully automated and controlled in software.

SORS point and ring illumination (inverse SORS) geometries.  Red represents the collection spots and blue represents the illumination region(s).

Examples of applications of our SORS instruments are:

  • Security analysis of containers
  • Biomedical analysis of sub-surface tissue
  • Raw materials ID of incoming chemicals/pharmaceuticals through containers
  • Non-invasive stability testing of containers
  • Counterfeit drug monitoring

To learn more about Cobalt’s SORS instrument capabilities and to discuss your requirements please get in touch via the contact details.

Grants

Cobalt is able to help researchers develop their grant applications for SORS systems. Due to the enormous diversity of possible applications using SORS researchers can use Cobalt’s experience to specify instrument designs. Contact us for more information.