What is Raman spectroscopy?
Raman spectroscopy is the non-destructive technique of chemical analysis that offers detailed information regarding the chemical structures, crystallinity, phase & polymorphy and other molecular interactions. This process is based on the interaction of light with chemical bonds in a material. It is a light scattering technique where the molecule disperses the incident light from the laser light source that is of high intensity. An enormous amount of the scattered light is at the same wavelength just as the laser source and does not offer useful information, it is known as the “Rayleigh scatter”. A small amount of light gets scattered at various wavelengths (or colours) that depend on an analyte’s chemical structure – it is known as “Raman scatter”.
What information can you get from Raman Spectroscopy?
Raman Spectroscopy examines the chemical structure of the material and offers much information about the following:
a) Its chemical structure along with identity
b) Intrinsic strain or stress
c) Phase and polymorphism
d) Impurity & contamination
You can call “Raman spectroscopy” a well-defined chemical fingerprint for a specific material/ molecule. Raman Spectroscopy can be efficiently used in identifying material quickly. It also helps in distinguishing that material from others.
If you unite the Raman system with mapping or imaging, then you can easily generate the images that are based on that respective sample’s Raman spectrum. Those images can show the distribution of single chemical components, phases & polymorphs along with variation in the crystallinity.
Raman Spectroscopy – Its both quantitative & qualitative
The usual spectrum profile offers a unique chemical fingerprint that can help identify the material along with it helps in distinguishing it from other materials. Sometimes, the actual spectrum can be complicated. So, overall Raman spectral libraries can be used to offer a chemical identification. The spectrum’s intensity is invariant to the concentration. A calibration process can be used for determining the relationship between the concentration and peak, then a routine measurement can be done for analysing concentration. Along with the mixtures, relative peak intensity can offer every bit of information regarding the relative concentration of components.
Raman Spectroscopy – best for microscopic analysis
Especially for microscopic analysis, Raman spectroscopy is used with a spatial resolution of 0.5-1 µm. This kind of analysis is only possible with the help of a Raman microscope.
The Raman microscope combined with the Raman spectrometer can allow great magnifying visualisation of the sample. Raman microanalysis is quite an easy one. A proper Raman microscope (confocal) can be efficiently used for analysing micron size volumes or particles. It can be also used for analysing different layers in the multilayered sample or contaminants.
The motorised mapping stages can permit Raman spectra pictures to get generated that may consist of loads of Raman spectra gained from various positions on a sample. Based on the Raman spectrum, even false colour images can also be created. They can display the distribution of every chemical component & variations in some other effects like polymorphism, phase, strain/ stress and crystallinity.
Analysis from the mixture of materials
The Raman spectrum from the material consists of Raman information about each molecule that is within an analysis volume of a system, therefore if there is a mixture of molecules, the spectrum will consist of peaks that will represent all of the distinct molecules.
What are some of the common applications of the famous Raman Spectroscopy?
Raman spectroscopy is usually used in various fields. It can be also used in applications where microscopic, non-destructive, imaging, analysis of components (chemical) are needed. Raman spectroscopy is a brilliant technique to quickly characterise the structure and chemical composition of the samples be it gas, liquid, solid powder or slurry. Have a look at the below-mentioned areas where this technique is very well established:
>Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
>Geology and Mineralogy
>Life science
>Semiconductors
Raman spectroscopy has become the foremost choice in analytical technology for many reasons. In a short time, Raman spectroscopy has seen a transition from an esoteric lab technique process to a practical industrial tool in laboratory & manufacturing applications. The application of this technique is effective in the procedure of understanding and controlling the fundamentals of chemical structure.
We hope that readers have got a brief understanding of Raman Spectroscopy, its importance, and its applications in the varied sectors. It efficiently analyzes material and lets users get non-destructive and quick chemical analysis results of liquids, gases and solids. It is the reason why this technique is finding uses in so many fields. Reach out to one of the reliable suppliers of Raman Spectroscopy equipment.
