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Part of the Oxford Instruments Group
Our WITec Academy training program provides comprehensive instruction on all instrument and software operations, as well as potential applications of the WITec product line. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, our course structure includes both basic and advanced elements to suit your needs.
Through seminars and hands-on training sessions, WITec Academy offers a forum for in-depth teaching on various confocal Raman imaging and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Our demonstrations and teaching sessions use the latest hardware and software releases. All courses are presented in English.
We hope to see you at WITec Academy!
The entry-level instrument and software training is ideally suited for users new to the alpha300 confocal Raman microscopes who require an introduction to the operational principles of the system. A detailed description of the various components will form the basis for a hands-on session using WITec test samples. An introduction to the WITec software concept will play an important role during the training as thorough software knowledge is essential for successful Raman image generation.
This one-day training course is intended for experienced users of alpha300 confocal Raman microscopes as it covers expert-level features of the instruments. During individual hands-on sessions, the participants will have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate the requirements for successful Raman measurements on their own samples. Therefore, participants are encouraged to bring a sample for analysis under the guidance of the instructor. Finally, the course will include a “Tips & Tricks“ session for the various measurement techniques. Participants should have a working knowledge of the operation of the system as well as the software.
Our software training course will cover all aspects of spectral data evaluation and image processing with the WITec Project software. The participants will learn in detail how to process the acquired raw data in order to obtain the most presentable images and graphs for successful publication. Topics relevant to each participant's specific focus will be outlined in an "Advanced Individual Data Analysis Tutorial", in which individual measurements will be processed under the guidance of the instructors. Each attendee will work during the course at an individual computer workstation configured with the latest version of the WITec Project software. As the course will mainly cover expert-level features, the participants should have at least a basic knowledge of the WITec Project software environment.
Entry-level Instrument and Software Training for AFM Imaging
This course is for users new to alpha300 series AFM systems and all others who want to refresh their skills. We will discuss the theory of AFM imaging and go step by step through setting up Contact and AC mode. You will learn how to optimize measurement parameters, such as gains and setpoint, and to process images to get the most out of your scans.
Advanced Instrument Operation Training for AFM Imaging and Other Modes
This course is for users who are already proficient in the use of an alpha300 series AFM system. Depending on the interests of the participants, we will dive into advanced modes and teach you how to:
Bring your own samples to make the most of them!
This one-day training course is intended for RISE users with good SEM imaging knowledge who want to expand their knowledge with Raman/RISE. The focus of the course will be Raman imaging with tips and tricks on how to achieve the best RISE results on various samples.
This course will take place in Ulm, Germany where a MIRA-SEM from Tescan is available in the lab. RISE users owning a different SEM are encouraged to join the course as well, as the workflow for RISE measurements is independent of the SEM brand.
We encourage you to also join the software course and make a two-days event of your journey to Ulm.
Best practice for Life Sciences Raman and correlated imaging. This one-day course is for users who are doing Raman measurements on the life sciences samples (cell cultures, tissues, bacterial cultures, etc.). In this course we will discuss sample preparation, Raman measurements on different types of biological samples, important points for correlation with other measurements, helpful accessories, and optimal measurement settings for biological samples.
This course is intended for users of the alpha300 series instruments, with a focus on applications in semiconductor research and metrology. Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence are key techniques for semiconductor metrology, providing critical insights into material properties and quality. The course will cover various applications and the types of information that can be derived from these two techniques. Participants will learn strategies for optimizing measurement parameters and will gain advanced skills in data evaluation.
The first day will be dedicated primarily to the optimization of measurement protocols.
The second day will focus on in-depth data analysis and interpretation.
This course is designed for users of the alpha300 and RISE series instruments working in geosciences, mineralogy, as well as the mining/mineral exploration sector. Raman microscopy provides powerful insights into mineral phases, polymorphs, and structural features, making it indispensable for modern geoscientific and resource-focused research.
Participants will learn how to use Raman spectroscopy to analyze crystal structures, detect stress and strain, assess crystallinity, and determine orientation through polarization. The course also covers complementary techniques such as confocal microscopy, photoluminescence, as well as Raman imaging and Scanning Electron (RISE) microscopy for comprehensive material characterization.
The first day will focus on optimizing measurement protocols for geological samples, including transparent minerals, fluid/solid inclusions, trace element mapping, and both 2D and 3D Raman imaging.
The second day will emphasize advanced data evaluation strategies, including polymorph differentiation, solid solution analysis, inclusion 3D-reconstruction, and particle-based provenance studies using WITec ParticleScout.
The third day (optional) will be dedicated to RISE-specific applications, covering integrated Raman–SEM workflows, sample preparation strategies, correlation of Raman and EDX data, and advanced use cases such as polymorph identification, photoluminescence integration, and trace element mapping.
Bring your own samples and questions to make the most of this hands-on, application-driven training!
Most courses are held at WITec headquarters in Ulm, Germany. All required equipment and software are provided by WITec.
We also organize WITec Academy in online format. Online training courses are scheduled upon request. We invite interested customers to contact academy.witec@oxinst.com individually. Please note that for the online instrument training courses, you will require access to a WITec Raman microscope during the entire training period.
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