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Confocal Raman Spectrometry

Inverted confocal Raman microscopy is an improved system within traditional Raman spectroscopy in that it provides chemical maps with down to < 1 mm spatial resolution and allows for the acquisition of depth profiles in three-dimensional thin structures. This resource couples a Raman spectrometer with a confocal Raman microscope, making it possible to analyze individual particles or layers with dimensions down to 1 µm and below. The main advantage of this resource over conventional microscopy is the enhanced depth resolution and the much higher image contrast due to stray light suppression. Inverted coupled Raman spectroscopy's enhanced spatial resolution combined with clear image quality and the lack of a sample preparation requirement enable researchers to easily conduct chemical and molecular analysis of multilayer samples.

Confocal Raman Spectrometry
The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory's confocal Raman spectrometry allows researchers to study the mechanistic drivers and controls of environmental fluxes and to answer fundamental questions about interactions that affect critical nutrients, particles, and compounds within the environment.

Research application

  • By analyzing a range of spatial scales in the identification and mapping of multilayer samples, inverted coupled Raman spectroscopy supports the Terrestrial-Atmospheric Processes Integrated Research Platform by helping EMSL researchers uncover the mechanistic drivers and controls of pertinent environmental fluxes.
  • Inverted coupled Raman spectroscopy supports the Biogeochemical Transformations Integrated Research Platform by assisting EMSL researchers in answering fundamental questions about chemical, physical, and microbial interactions that affect the transformation and mobility of critical nutrients, particles, and compounds within the environment.

Tips for success

  • Inverted coupled Raman spectroscopy has minimal sample constraints and can be used on many different systems including plants, microbes, liquids, minerals, polymer/plastics, and many others.

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