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Every minute counts when analyzing potentially deadly compounds, and time-critical decisions rest on a team’s ability to make the right calls based on the right information. Decisions are made faster and more accurately with the EAGLE two-man Transportable Threat Detection unit from ChemImage.
Q: How long does it take to set up the EAGLE and be ready for testing?
A: Once the EAGLE is placed in the location where it will be used, setup and calibration takes approximately 15 minutes.
Q: What needs to be done in order to go from travel configuration to being ready for analysis?
A: First, both end covers must be removed from the Eagle and the lamp house must be installed. Next, power is applied to both the EAGLE and the system computer; both are turned on then allowed to go through their startup routines. Once the hardware is operational, the ChemImage Xpert software is started and allowed to go through its initialization routine. At this point, the system is ready for fine adjustment of the sample illumination followed by Raman calibration and blank correction.
Q: What is a typical bioagent analysis procedure on the EAGLE?
A: First, the sample is placed on an aluminum-coated microscope slide. If the sample is a powder, a small amount of water is added and the sample spotted on the slide. If the sample is a liquid, a drop or two is placed directly on the slide. Next, the sample is placed on the sample stage of the EAGLE and brought into focus using the video microscope mode; first with the 20x objective, followed by 100x objective lens. The mode is then changed to fluorescence imaging and the sample is scanned to find fluorescent regions that may contain biological threats. Once an area is located and targeted, the mode is switched to Raman and the spectrum is obtained. On occasion, the sample may exhibit fluorescence that can interfere with the Raman measurement, so waiting a minute or two before collecting the spectrum can minimize this effect. After the spectrum is collected, it is searched against the library and identified. At that time, another area of the sample can be analyzed, or another sample can be loaded for analysis.
Q: Can I add my own entries into the EAGLE Raman Library?
A: Yes. The user can easily add additional entries to the library at any time.
Q: Will analysis on the EAGLE destroy my sample?
A: No. The EAGLE uses non-destructive techniques. Once analysis is complete on the EAGLE, the sample can be prepared for PCR or other modes of analysis.
Q: How much space does the EAGLE require when configured for operation?
A: The footprint of the EAGLE microscope unit is 24.5" wide x 24" deep, or approximately four square feet. The computer requires approximately an additional 2 square feet of area, however, the computer can be placed on top of the microscope unit if necessary.
Q: Why does the EAGLE use aluminum-coated microscope slides?
A: Aluminum-coated slides provide a very small contribution to the measured Raman spectrum. This is particularly important when thin films of biological materials are being measured. The commonly used glass microscope slides are not suitable for these types of samples.
Q: What makes EAGLE unique?
A: EAGLE is the first transportable instrument to combine the strengths of three powerful techniques for chemical and biological threat detection: Microscopic examination, fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
Use our rapid web response form to request pricing and financing information for EAGLE or contact our sales consultants directly at:
ChemImage Purchasing
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Email: sales@chemimage.com