RAVEN – Portable Plastic Identifier -
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The AOTF IR spectrometer RAVEN is a plastic identifier and spectrometer intended mainly
for plastics recycling, QC, production, laboratory or engineering use. It uses a
notebook computer to view and analyze the spectrum of the sample. Spectral scan
software and the plastic ID software are both included. Wavelength scan range is
from 1200 to 2600 nm, with a spectral resolution of under 10 nm. The scan speed
is up to 2400 wavelength points per second. The plastic ID software will display
the sample identification in less then one second, along with a near-infrared
spectrum of the sample.
Description of Operation
The small optics module of the RAVEN is connected to a notebook computer
a USB cable. After the instrument is turned on and allowed to warm up, it is
ready to identify plastics. By choosing the “identify” function, the instrument
will identify plastic samples. Place the sample in front of the window, and push
the button. The sample ID along with the infrared spectrum is displayed on the
monitor in less then one second.
To use the instrument as a spectrometer, number of data points, number of scans
to average together. The spectrum can then be saved and transferred to GRAMSTM
or SpectraCalcTM for analysis. By using a mirror or ceramic disk in front of the
window, it is possible to obtain the spectrum of clear solids and liquids.
Based on AOTF technology (acousto-optic tunable filter)
Dimension: 9”x6”x2”;
Weight: 2.1 lb
Light source: tungsten halogen lamp, 5W
Wavelength scan range: 1200 – 2600 points/sec
Software for plastic-ID and spectral scan included (requires Pentium computer)
Standard Plastic Types: (more can be
added) ABS Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene AS Acrylonitrile-Styrene PA Polyamide PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate PC Polycarbonate PC/ABS Polycarbonate / Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene PE Polyethylene PET Polyethylene Terephthalate PMMA Polymethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Resin) POM Polyxymethylene (Acetal) PP Polypropylene PS Polystyrene PVC Polyvinyl Chloride PVDC Polyvinylidene Chloride PUR Polyurethane Standard Carpet Types Nylon 6 & 66 Wool, polyester (PET), PP |
AOTF Technology
At the heart of the RAVEN is a miniature infrared spectrometer which uses
a crystal of tellurium dioxide to scan the wavelength. This device is known as
an acousto-optic tunable filter, or AOTF. Light from a small halogen lamp enters
the crystal, and is diffracted into specific wavelengths. These wavelengths are
determined by the frequency of the electrical input to the crystal. Since there
are no moving parts, the wavelength scanning can be extremely fast. In addition,
specific wavelengths can be chosen by software according to the plastic
identification algorithm, and therefore can be modified without changing the
hardware. After the infrared radiation reflects off of the sample, it is
converted into an electrical signal by the detector and analyzed by the
computer.
We have chosen the AOTF technology for the RAVEN because it allows us to
offer a very versatile and sophisticated instrument in a small and relatively
inexpensive package. Unlike fixed-wavelength simpler instruments, the
RAVEN is a true spectrometer comparable to much larger laboratory
instruments. Some of the many applications are shown in the graphs on the
accompanying page.
AOTF Infrared Spectrometer
Del Mar Photonics, Inc.
4119 Twilight Ridge
San Diego, CA 92130
tel: (858) 876-3133
fax: (858) 630-2376
Skype: delmarphotonics
sales@dmphotonics.com
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