Raman Spectroscopy
Raman Spectroscopy
What is Raman Spectroscopy?
Raman spectroscopy is a technique for studying molecular structure using Raman-scattered light. When a laser interacts with molecular vibrations, it causes slight shifts in the energy of scattered photons, producing a Raman spectrum, which acts as a unique molecular fingerprint.
How Does Raman Spectroscopy Work?
A sample is illuminated with a laser beam. Most of the light is Rayleigh scattering, but a small portion is Raman scattering. The shift in energy corresponds to molecular vibrational modes and is plotted as a spectrum.
Key components of a Raman system:
• Laser source – excites the sample
• Sample stage – where the material is placed
• Spectrometer – separates scattered light
• Detector – detects scattered light emitted from the sample
Introducing the AIRsight™ Raman & Infrared Microscope
Shimadzu’s AIRsight is an integrated analytical system that performs Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in one instrument, without moving the sample.
AIRsight Features:
• Same position is measured by IR and Raman
• Smart software controls IR and Raman
• Single system saves space
• Ideal for pharmaceuticals, contaminants analysis, and materials science
Applications of Raman Spectroscopy
• Pharmaceuticals – polymorph detection, raw material ID
• Environment – microplastic analysis
• Semiconductors – material stress and contamination detection
• Art & Cultural Heritage – pigment and binding medium identification
FAQ
What’s the difference between Raman and IR spectroscopy?
The difference lies in the way the molecular vibrations can be detected: infrared spectroscopy measures molecular vibrations that accompany the polarization of an electric field, while Raman spectroscopy measures molecular vibrations that accompany volume changes. They detect different types of molecular vibrations and work best as complementary techniques.
What are the advantages of Raman spectroscopy?
• Aqueous solutions can be measured• It is possible to measure samples up to a few microns in size
• Depth measurement is possible
• Can analyze samples through glass or other containers