Higher EducationON
Posted
Oct 6, 2026
Nov 11, 2026
Confocal High-Spectral Resolution Raman Microscope System
The University of Ottawa seeks to procure a high spectral resolution confocal Raman microscope system to establish Canada's first laboratory fully equipped and calibrated for quantitative volatile analysis of melt inclusions and fluid inclusions in geological materials. The system will support advanced volcanological, geochemical, geothermal, and environmental research through high-resolution Raman spectroscopic measurements, 2D and 3D imaging, and in-situ experimental capabilities. The equipment must be confocal, compatible with Linkam microscope-mounted heating and cooling stages and provide the spectral resolution, optical performance, calibration capabilities, and automation required for quantitative analysis of magmatic volatile species and fluid compositions. The confocal Raman microscopy platform should be capable of performing high spectral resolution spectroscopic characterization and quantitative analysis of gases, fluids, glasses, minerals, and other geological materials. The system will be used to measure volatile species and fluid compositions in microscopic inclusions (as small as 1 micron) contained within natural mineral and glass samples, allowing researchers to determine pressure, temperature, fluid composition, volcanic processes, subsurface magma distribution, volatile contents of magmas and parameters relevant to volcanic hazard assessment and geothermal resource exploration. The instrument is expected to provide: High-spatial-resolution Raman spectroscopy as well as 2D and 3D imaging capabilities for microscopic geological features. Quantitative measurement of gases, liquids and solids in fluid and melt inclusions. High spectral resolution suitable for precise determination of gas and liquid densities as well as compositions. Integrated Köehler microscope illumination and capability for transmitted and reflected light imaging. Automated sample positioning and repeatable measurements through motorized stage operation. Compatibility with Linkam heating and cooling stages for in situ experiments. Instrument calibration tools and software required to support reproducible quantitative measurements. All hardware required for its operation Data acquisition, processing, imaging, and spectral analysis software. Installation, commissioning, user training, and warranty support. The expected outcome of this procurement is the delivery of an operational, fully installed, calibrated, and user-ready Raman microscopy facility that will enable cutting-edge research in volcanology, geochemistry, geothermal energy exploration, and natural hazard assessment. The system will serve as a core research platform supporting faculty, research personnel, graduate students, and external collaborators while enhancing Canada's capacity for rapid-response geochemical investigations and quantitative volatile analysis. Mandatory Requirements: 1. Raman Confocal Microscope 1.1 The confocal Raman microscope must be capable of quality Raman spectroscopy, as defined in Mandatory Requirement 2.2, as well as two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Raman imaging of microscopic geological materials, fluids (CO2, H2O, SO2, H2S, etc), silicate glasses, and minerals (olivine, plagioclase, pyroxenes, sulfides, oxides, carbonates, etc). 1.2 The microscope must include the following capabilities: Reflected-light microscopy Transmitted-light microscopy Köhler white-light illumination Spectral calibration routine and materials (Si chip or alternative solution with similar or greater capabilities reviewed and accepted by the University) 1.3 The solution must include a 532 nm excitation laser source with a nominal output power of at least 30 mW. 1.4 The proposed solution must include a spectrometer suitable for the specified laser. 1.5 The spectrometer must include a motorized grating turret containing a minimum number of spectroscopic gratings necessary for compliance with all spectral performance requirements. At least one (1) grating configuration must be capable of achieving the required high spectral resolution and spectral dispersion necessary for gas quantification. With these gratings, the proposed solution must be capable of a spectral dispersion (spectral sampling; separation between adjacent pixels) of ≤ 0.65 cm⁻¹/pixel within a single un-stitched window with a minimum width of 500 cm-1 (e.g., spanning 1050 cm-1 to 1550 cm-1) as well as surveying of compounds in a single, un-stitched window width of a minimum 3800 cm-1. 1.6 The proposed solution must permit Raman measurements from at least 100 cm⁻¹ to 4000 cm⁻¹. 1.7 The proposed solution must include a high-throughput, thermoelectrically cooled CCD detector optimized for quantitative Raman spectroscopy and capable of achieving all mandatory spectral resolution, spectral range, and quantitative measurement requirements of this RFP. 1.8 The proposed solution must include a software-controlled laser power attenuation system capable of reproducible low-power (<10 mW) measurements. 1.9 The proposed solution must include a Neon spectral light source capable of being coupled into the Raman optical path such that Neon emission lines may be acquired concurrently with, or interleaved between, sample measurements. This capability is required for monitoring spectrometer drift during quantitative Raman measurements of CO₂-bearing fluids. 1.10 The proposed solution must include the capability for automated spectrometer calibration routines that can be scheduled by the end-user without vendor involvement. How to conduct said routines must be included in the training curriculum 1.11 The proposed solution must be capable of automated multi-point acquisition and measurement, as well as user-defined mapping routines. 2. Operation 2.1 The proposed solution must have a motorized, software-controlled X-Y stage with Z-axis control allowing for 2D and 3D mapping, or alternative solution that demonstrates equivalent capabilities and is reviewed and accepted by the University. 2.2 **REMOVED** 2.3 The proposed solution must be capable of a spatial resolution of ≤ 1 µm 2.4 The proposed solution must allow for Class 1 operation at the sample, even if the laser itself is class 3B (Any containment and/or enclosure must be compatible with in-situ Linkam stage usage and with a calibration cell connected via tubing to gas sources). Details on the specific calibration cell within the existing lab space can be found in the following publication: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009254121004654 2.5 The proposed solution must be compatible with Linkam THMSG600 and TS1400XY heating/cooling stages and include any adapters necessary for their installation and operation. 2.6 The proposed solution must include objectives meeting the following minimum requirements: 5X: Working distance must be no less than 11mm for in-situ characterization (to be used with calibration and experimental cells), and include excellent field flatness (e.g., Plan, epi-Plan objectives). 50X: Working distance must be no less than 8mm for in-situ characterization (to be used with experimental Linkam stages) and inlcude excellent field flatness (e.g., Plan, epi-Plan objectives). 3. Computer, software and hardware requirements 3.1 The proposed solution must include a computer capable of running all required software for control and analysis. The solution must also include all necessary peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, microscope controller gear, etc). 3.2 Must include a minimum of one (1) year manufacturer’s warranty 3.3 Software for instrument and acquisition control must be included and pre-installed on the provided computer. Data processing and exporting software must be included and pre-installed on the provided computer. At minimum, users must be able to export spectra and all associated acquisition metadata such as date, time, spectral acquisition parameters, hardware parameters. The software must be capable of exporting spectral and mapping data in at least one (1) common scientific formats (e.g., txt). Metadata and spectra must not be fully locked behind proprietary formats. 3.4 A rigid support frame, suitable for use with the proposed Raman microscope, must be included. 3.5 Installation, commissioning and on-site training at the University of Ottawa for a minimum of one (1) user must be included. 3.6 Remote telephone and online technical support must be available throughout the duration of the contract. 3.7 The proposed solution must be ESA approved (certification or field evaluation mark) by the successful proponent prior to the instrument being formally delivered to the University for acceptance. Any modifications required for certification or a field evaluation mark is the sole responsibility of the proponent and must not void any warranty. 4. Facilities Limitations 4.1 All components, where required, must be air cooled. There are no water loops available for use. 4.2 The proposed solution must not exceed 16A on a 120V service. See more
