The Raman Technique
The Raman effect is based on light interacting with the chemical bonds of a sample. Due to vibrations in the chemical bonds the interaction with photons causes specific energy shifts in the back scattered light that appear in a Raman spectrum. The Raman spectrum is unique for each chemical composition and can provide qualitative and quantitative information of the material.
Raman spectroscopy
- provides a chemical “fingerprint” of the investigated compounds
- is non-invasive, non-destructive
- requires minimal, if any, sample preparation
- is insensitive to water
- can be used for imaging
Confocal Raman Imaging
Confocal Raman microscopy is a high-resolution imaging technique that is widely used for the characterization of materials and specimens in terms of their chemical composition. Chemical properties of solid and liquid components can be analyzed with diffraction-limited spatial resolution (λ/2 of the excitation wavelength, down to 200 nm). No labeling or other sample preparation techniques are necessary. With Raman images, information regarding the chemical compounds and their distribution within the sample can be illustrated clearly.
3D Raman Imaging and Depth Profiles
3D volume scans and depth profiles are valuable tools in providing information about the dimensions of objects or the distribution of a certain compound throughout the sample.
Ultra-Fast Raman Imaging
With ultra-fast Raman imaging it is possible to acquire a complete Raman image in a few minutes. In other words the acquisition time for a single Raman spectrum can be as low as 760 microseconds, 1300 Raman spectra can be acquired per second.
The latest spectroscopic EMCCD detector technology combined with the high-throughput optics of a confocal Raman imaging system are the keys to this improvement which can also be advantageous when performing measurements on delicate and precious samples requiring the lowest possible levels of excitation power. Time-resolved investigations of fast dynamic processes can also benefit from the ultra-fast spectral acquisition times.
Advantages:
- Reduced overall experiment time, while delivering more valuable data in a given time leads to reduced cost of ownership.
- Time-crucial operations in standard Raman imaging can be rapidly performed.
- Delicate and precious samples requiring lowest levels of excitation power are ideally suited for analysis.
- Time-resolved Raman measurements allows for the investigation of fast dynamic processes (spectra and/or image series).
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