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Raman explained: What is Raman spectroscopy?

Our guide to Raman microscopy and imaging. Learn what it is, how it works, and how we can use it for chemical analysis.


Welcome to the exciting world of Raman spectroscopy: one of science's easiest to use, most powerful, and most versatile analytical techniques.

Scientists use Raman spectroscopy to analyse the make-up of materials. In Raman spectroscopy, we focus a single colour of light onto a sample. Next, we measure the way that light interacts with the material to gain information about it. This gives us an understanding of its chemistry and structure.

Choose a topic to learn the basics of Raman spectroscopy:

Presenting Raman Revealed

What is Raman scattering?

What is Raman scattering and how does it occur? Find out more about the theory behind Professor C.V. Raman's discovery. Learn how a Jablonski diagram can represent the change in energy during Rayleigh and Raman scattering.



Raman scattering

inVia confocal Raman microscope analyses a gem stone

What can Raman spectroscopy tell you?

Learn how Raman spectroscopy can reveal the chemistry and structure of materials. We describe the features of a Raman spectrum and explain the variations in Raman band parameters. We also provide examples of how Raman spectra can tell apart different chemicals and polymorphs.

Raman spectra

White light and Raman images of washing powder

What can Raman images show?

We can analyse Raman images to study the distribution of chemical and structural species across a sample. We explain how to collect Raman images. We also discuss various data analysis methods, and when to use them for Raman imaging.


Raman images

Five indents in a ruby sample

What is photoluminescence?

Photoluminescence (PL) can be a useful analytical method. We explain how PL relates to fluorescence and phosphorescence. Learn how you can tell apart PL features from Raman bands. We also offer practical tips on how to avoid unwanted fluorescence background in Raman spectra.

Photoluminescence

Virsa Graphene

What are the advantages of Raman spectroscopy?

Understand why Raman spectroscopy is ideal for a wide range of samples. Explore the key components of an inVia™ confocal Raman microscope. You can readily combine an inVia microscope with other analytical methods. We discuss how Raman microscopy complements FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Raman advantages

Schematic diagram

What are the challenges and solutions?

Overcome the challenges inherent in the Raman technique with Renishaw's Raman spectrometers. Learn about diffraction-limited spatial resolution for microscope-based chemical analysis. Explore how sensitivity and spatial resolution can be improved by using resonant Raman techniques (i.e. SERS and TERS).

Challenges and solutions


Raman spectroscopy explained

New to Raman spectroscopy? Get started quickly with the fundamentals of Raman analysis.

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