Minerva Engineering, a specialist in UV-visible-NIR microspectroscopy, proudly announces the release of the Ruby Dragon™ UV-Visible-NIR spectrophotometer. Engineered to mount seamlessly onto the open photoport of most microscopes or probe stations, the Ruby Dragon™ provides rapid, non-destructive spectral and imaging analysis of microscopic samples across multiple measurement modalities.
Image Credit: Minerva Engineering
Powered by MINERVA’s advanced Lightblades™ spectrophotometers and proprietary optical-interface technology, the Ruby Dragon™ enables researchers and engineers to acquire absorbance, reflectance, fluorescence, luminescence, and polarization spectra, as well as high-resolution color images, all from sub-micron sample regions. When paired with a properly configured microscope, the system delivers exceptional sensitivity, stability, and analytical versatility.
The Ruby Dragon™ supports a wide array of applications, including
- characterization of advanced and emerging materials
- analysis of graphene and other 2D materials
- measurement of surface plasmon resonance
- vitrinite reflectance for coal and source-rock petrography
- high-resolution colorimetric and relative-intensity mapping of display technologies
- thin-film thickness measurements on microscopic structures
When combined with MINERVA Traceable Standards, each certified against NIST Standard Reference Materials, the Ruby Dragon™ becomes a robust, cost-effective solution for laboratories and manufacturing environments requiring repeatable, microscale optical and spectroscopic measurements.
"Since our founding, Minerva Engineering has driven innovation in UV-visible-NIR microanalysis," said Dr. Jumi Lee, President of Minerva Engineering. "The Ruby Dragon™ extends that tradition by transforming virtually any microscope or probe station into a powerful micro-spectroscopy platform. It also provides a straightforward upgrade pat for aging systems, bringing them into alignment with today’s highest-performance detectors, electronics, and software."
Supported by Lambdafire™ - MINERVA’s intuitive, feature-rich spectroscopy and imaging software - the Ruby Dragon™ integrates high-resolution imaging, permanently calibrated variable apertures, film-thickness analysis, advanced data-processing algorithms, and more. Its durable design and flexible configuration make it ideal for research laboratories, industrial QA/QC lines, and demanding production environments.
"With Lightblades™ spectrophotometers and our next-generation optical interface, the Ruby Dragon™ sets a new benchmark for sensitivity, stability, and ease of use in microscale analysis," added Dr. Lee. "It’s not just an instrument - it’s a complete solution for complex analytical challenges."