A powerful tool for material identification: Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

In present time different analytical methods with specific limitations serves for material identification. Raman spectroscopy is one of the most essential laser spectroscopic methods. In principle, Raman spectroscopy has the potential to answer a number of questions pertaining to chemical details of molecular structure what makes this technique definitely proper for material identification. Raman spectroscopy has recently proved progressive benefits and become a powerful research tool which finds assertion in almost all sciences and a wide range of technical and industrial branches. Doubtless advantages as non-destructiveness, contactless measurements, rapidity or no demand for sample preparation makes Raman spectroscopy attractive, convenient and effective. In the light of these facts, the popularity of Raman spectroscopy is still growing in analytical laboratories all over the world. Although the fundamental principle of this method is known almost one hundred years, extensive potentialities which Raman spectroscopy offers are finally able due to a technical advancement and novel engineering solution of the recent years. This paper briefly introduces the principle of the method, highlights its advantages, discusses drawbacks and compares its possibilities with infrared spectroscopy. Great applicability of Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated in the paper, other currently examined applications as determination of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium or epoxy resin crosslinking monitoring are also presented.