What is Raman Spectroscopy

Raman Spectroscopy: It’s a technique often cited in the world of photonics. If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you’ve likely encountered the analytical method in our discussions on the various sought-after optical technologies used by diverse sectors. And if you’re an R&D, laser or photonics engineer, chances are you’re already a specifier of high-precision optical components for Raman Spectroscopy. On the other hand, those unfamiliar with the light-scattering technique may wonder what it is. So, let’s investigate.

What is Raman Spectroscopy, and How Does it Work?

‍Raman Spectroscopy’s non-destructive nature as a chemical analysis method makes it a huge hit across a broad spectrum of industries, from aerospace and biotechnology through to pharmaceuticals and energy – particularly in oil and gas fields.

So, how does it work exactly? By using high-intensity lasers to illuminate materials subject to inspection, molecules within the sample scatter the light emitted from the laser.

What happens next is acknowledged as the ‘Raman effect’ or, as it’s sometimes referred to, ‘Raman scattering’ – named in honour of renowned Indian Physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, who discovered Raman Spectroscopy.

The majority of scattered light remains the same wavelength as the laser (which is identified as ‘Rayleigh scattering’); however, a small fraction will shift to appear at different wavelengths, and this change is known as Raman Scattering.

What Can Raman Spectroscopy Detect?

Raman Spectroscopy enables scientists, researchers, engineers and chemists to further understand the molecular structure and composition of the material under investigation. It’s frequently employed for everything from crystals, liquids, and gases, and even has plans to be used to look for water ice on the Moon as part of space missions.

It’s not just the aerospace community favouring the spectroscopic technique, though. You’ll also find it being harnessed in forensics to identify biological stains like blood and traces of semen and pathology – where it’s helping to differentiate between benign and cancerous thyroid cells – with expanding applications emerging every day.

Optical Components for Raman Spectroscopy

From benchtop Raman Spectrometers to portable and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), a range of high-performing optical components are essential for these set-ups.

Popular optics include:
● Beamsplitters
● Gratings
● Prisms
● Mirrors
● Lenses.

If you’re a new or seasoned specifier of components for Raman Spectroscopy and require assistance with your application or want to learn more about our custom-made optical components for Raman Spectroscopy, reach out to a member of the Knight Optical team today.

Raman or Ray-Man?

Last but by no means least, how do you pronounce Raman Spectroscopy? It’s a bit of a tongue-twister, but to break it down – it’s pronounced ‘RAH-mun Spek-TROS-kuh-pee’.