A unique, highly integrated Raman microscopy system has recently been successfully delivered and commissioned at the Department of Chemistry of University of Miskolc, marking a significant milestone for advanced spectroscopic and correlative microscopy capabilities in Hungary. The system was ordered by Dr. Béla Viskolcz and represents a one-of-a-kind configuration within the country.
At the heart of the setup is a Renishaw Raman inVia Qontor microscope equipped with three laser wavelengths, enabling flexible and highly sensitive Raman analysis across a broad range of materials. To further extend its analytical power, the Raman system was complemented with a Becker & Hickl FLIM (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy) system. This addition allows time-resolved fluorescence measurements to be performed alongside Raman spectroscopy, opening new possibilities for studying complex chemical and biological processes.
A key highlight of the installation is the full integration of the Raman–FLIM configuration with a Bruker Innova IRIS AFM system. This enables truly correlative Raman–AFM measurements, allowing researchers to combine chemical, optical, and nanoscale topographical information within a single experimental workflow. Such correlated measurements are increasingly important in materials science, nanotechnology, and surface chemistry, where understanding structure–property relationships at the nanoscale is essential.
In addition to Raman–AFM correlation, the system has been designed to support TERS (Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) experiments. This capability allows Raman measurements with spatial resolution well below the diffraction limit, pushing chemical analysis into the true nanoscale regime. With TERS, researchers at the University of Miskolc gain access to cutting-edge analytical techniques that are typically available only in a limited number of advanced research laboratories worldwide.
The entire system was carefully planned and built on a vibration-isolated optical table supplied by Thorlabs. Particular attention was paid to mechanical stability, optical alignment, and long-term reliability, ensuring that the complex multi-instrument configuration performs consistently and reproducibly under everyday research conditions.
Commissioning and user training were carried out over an extended period, reflecting both the complexity and the versatility of the system. We hope that the users have successfully familiarized themselves with the core functionalities and are already beginning to explore the wide range of experimental possibilities offered by this advanced setup.
With this delivery, another Renishaw Raman system has found its home, further strengthening the Hungarian research infrastructure and supporting high-level scientific work at the University of Miskolc. We are proud to have contributed to the realization of this exceptional installation and look forward to seeing the innovative research results it will enable in the years to come.
