Control System Development for a Raman Spectrometer Using Microcontroller Technology

 

Alejandro J. Giménez*, Rivelino Flores Farías, J. M. Yáñez-Limón

 

Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Unidad Querétaro. Libramiento Norponiente No. 2000. Fracc. Real de Juriquilla, CP 76230. Querétaro, Qro., México. *agomez@qro.cinvestav.mx

 

Abstract

An electronic control system has been developed for a Raman spectrometer by using electronics based on microcontroller technology. With these microcontrollers it is possible to emulate control circuitry capable of performing complex tasks, such as the monochromator step motor control and the photomultiplier pulse count required in the Raman spectroscopy process. This approach could be used to give new life to valuable scientific instruments and tools. The Raman spectrometer control built is now fully functional and compatible with Windows 7. Raman spectra from well-known materials are presented to compare results and in order to confirm the proper operation of the developed control system.

Keywords: Raman spectroscopy, microcontroller control, Photomultiplier.

 

Resumen

Se ha desarrollado un sistema electrónico de control para un espectrómetro Raman usando electrónica basada en tecnologia de microcontroladores. Con microcontroladores es posible emular circuitos electrónicos capaces de desempeñarse en tareas complejas tales como el control del motor de pasos del monocromador y llevar la cuenta de fotones requerida durante el proceso de espectroscopia Raman. Esta propuesta podria ser usada para "revivir" instrumentos y herramientas cientificas de alto costo. El espectrómetro que se reconstruyo gracias a la electrónica desarrollada es totalmente funcional y compatible con Windows7. Se presentan resultados de materiales cuyo espectro Raman es bien conocido para fines comparativos y para demostrar el correcto funcionamiento de sistema de control propuesto.

 

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge proofreading by Michael S. Boldrick and technical assistance from Gerardo Cota Arellano and Martín A. Hernández Landaverde. AJG also acknowledges financial support from Conacyt scholarship No. 203609.

 

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