rus
Issue #3-4/2025
I.V.Laktionov, A.S.Useinov, S.A.Votyakov, V.N.Reshetov, G.H.Sultanova
NANOSCAN SPECTROINDENTER: A NEW APPROACH TO NANOMECHANICAL TESTING INTEGRATED IN RAMAN MICROSCOPES
NANOSCAN SPECTROINDENTER: A NEW APPROACH TO NANOMECHANICAL TESTING INTEGRATED IN RAMAN MICROSCOPES
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22184/1993-8578.2025.18.3-4.234.238
The design of the NanoScan SpectroIndenter measurement module for integrating a nanohardness tester with a commercially available Raman microscope is presented, using the Renishaw InVia model as an example. An innovative inverse load device layout allows simultaneous time-synchronized measurements of mechanical and optical (structural) characteristics. The design features of the module and its technological advantages for the examination of both transparent and opaque materials are presented.
The design of the NanoScan SpectroIndenter measurement module for integrating a nanohardness tester with a commercially available Raman microscope is presented, using the Renishaw InVia model as an example. An innovative inverse load device layout allows simultaneous time-synchronized measurements of mechanical and optical (structural) characteristics. The design features of the module and its technological advantages for the examination of both transparent and opaque materials are presented.
Теги: deformation nanoindentation spectrometer transparent indenter деформация наноиндентирование прозрачный индентор спектрометр
INTRODUCTION
Modern methods of materials research increasingly require combination of different physical approaches within a single experimental bench. One of the most promising fields in this area is integration of mechanical testing with optical and spectral methods of analysis [1–3].
Such combination allows us to obtain comprehensive information on local material properties under load, including both elastic-plastic characteristics and data on phase composition, crystal structure and chemical changes in the contact zone [4, 5].
The NanoScan SpectroIndenter module is designed specifically to work with Renishaw Raman microscopes to perform mechanical testing directly at the focus of the optical objective lens. The module is fully compatible with the spectrometer’s in-house mechanics and software, avoiding complex interfacing procedures and ensuring reproducible experiments. This is achieved due to the original design of mounting by an external metal cup that repeats the typical sample holders geometry.
The central element of the measuring module of the nanohardometer is a unique diamond indenter-lens [6], which combines the functions of mechanical loading and optical observation. The indenter is made of transparent monocrystalline diamond polished in such a way as to minimise the effects of total internal reflection. Its special geometry makes it possible not only to precisely focus the laser beam in the contact zone, but also to record backscattering, including Raman spectra [7]. This approach provides direct visualisation and spectroscopy of the deformed region of the material during loading, which is a crucial advantage over classical schemes based on sequential measurements.
RESULTS
Module layout and mechanical structure
The centrepiece of the design (see Fig.1) is a rigid cylindrical metal casing which acts as a support frame. The choice of this mounting method is based on the design of the spectrometer’s standard sample holder, which is a motorised table with spatial positioning capability. This allowed the module to remain fully compatible with the original Renishaw software, avoiding the need to develop interfaces between two independent systems.
Modern methods of materials research increasingly require combination of different physical approaches within a single experimental bench. One of the most promising fields in this area is integration of mechanical testing with optical and spectral methods of analysis [1–3].
Such combination allows us to obtain comprehensive information on local material properties under load, including both elastic-plastic characteristics and data on phase composition, crystal structure and chemical changes in the contact zone [4, 5].
The NanoScan SpectroIndenter module is designed specifically to work with Renishaw Raman microscopes to perform mechanical testing directly at the focus of the optical objective lens. The module is fully compatible with the spectrometer’s in-house mechanics and software, avoiding complex interfacing procedures and ensuring reproducible experiments. This is achieved due to the original design of mounting by an external metal cup that repeats the typical sample holders geometry.
The central element of the measuring module of the nanohardometer is a unique diamond indenter-lens [6], which combines the functions of mechanical loading and optical observation. The indenter is made of transparent monocrystalline diamond polished in such a way as to minimise the effects of total internal reflection. Its special geometry makes it possible not only to precisely focus the laser beam in the contact zone, but also to record backscattering, including Raman spectra [7]. This approach provides direct visualisation and spectroscopy of the deformed region of the material during loading, which is a crucial advantage over classical schemes based on sequential measurements.
RESULTS
Module layout and mechanical structure
The centrepiece of the design (see Fig.1) is a rigid cylindrical metal casing which acts as a support frame. The choice of this mounting method is based on the design of the spectrometer’s standard sample holder, which is a motorised table with spatial positioning capability. This allowed the module to remain fully compatible with the original Renishaw software, avoiding the need to develop interfaces between two independent systems.
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