Raman spectroscopy studies low-frequency modes of radiation and matter by scattering monochromatic light. The Raman effect causes a molecule to be excited by a photon, increasing or decreasing its energy level. The light is then transmitted to a monochromator, which collects the remaining light with vibrational information. Raman spectroscopy is commonly used in chemistry, medicine, and solid state physics. Sir CV Raman discovered the possibilities behind Raman spectroscopy in 1928 and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
Raman spectroscopy is a technique for studying the function of wavelengths between radiation and matter. Specifically, science studies low-frequency modes such as vibrations and rotations. The primary way the process works is by scattering monochromatic light without preserving the kinetic energy of the particles. When laser light interacts with the vibrations of structures within an atom, the result is a reaction within the light itself. This allows scientists to gather information about the system using laser Raman spectroscopy.
The basic theory behind Raman spectroscopy is the Raman effect. Light is shined onto a molecule with the intent of interacting with the electron cloud, the area around one or between electrons in an atom. This causes the molecule to be excited by single units of light, known as a photon. The energy level within the molecule is increased or decreased. The light from a particular location is then collected with a lens and transmitted to a monochromator.
A monochromator is a device that optically transmits a narrow wavelength band of light. Due to the fact that the light bands scatter through solids and transparent liquids, known as Rayleigh scattering, the wavelengths closest to the laser light are scattered, while the remaining light with vibrational information is collected by a detector .
Adolf Smekal predicted the idea of light scattering through the Raman effect in 1923. However, it wasn’t until 1928 that Sir CV Raman discovered the possibilities behind Raman spectroscopy. His observations mostly involved sunlight due to the fact that laser technology was not readily available at the time. Using a photographic filter, he was able to project monochromatic light by observing the light change frequency. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery in 1930.
The most common uses of Raman spectroscopy are in the fields of chemistry, medicine and solid state physics. The chemical bonds of molecules can be analyzed through the process, allowing researchers to more easily identify unknown compounds through vibrational frequency. In medicine, Raman lasers can monitor the gas mixture used in anesthetics.
Solid state physics uses technology to measure the excitations of various solids. Enhanced versions of the concept can also be used by law enforcement agencies to identify counterfeit drugs while still in the package. This occurs when the technology is limited in its sensitivity and essentially allowed to pass through certain layers until it reaches the desired molecule.
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