Molecular fingerprint
Identify compounds and functional groups from their vibrational bands.
Useful forOrganics, pharmaceuticals, unknownsSpectroscopy
Raman Spectroscopy
Vibrational spectroscopy by laser scattering
Raman spectroscopy shines a laser on a sample and reads the tiny energy shifts in the scattered light. It identifies molecules, crystal phases and carbon structure with little or no sample preparation.
1 test optionRaman shift ~100–3500 cm⁻¹Micron-scale laser spotTypical turnaround 4–6 working days
Raman Spectroscopy measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is Raman Spectroscopy?
A focused laser excites the sample, and a very small fraction of the light scatters back with a shifted energy. Each shift matches a molecular or lattice vibration, so the Raman spectrum is a chemical fingerprint of the material under the laser spot.
Raman needs little preparation, can measure through glass and in water, and probes spots of about a micrometre. It is especially informative for carbon materials, oxides and polymorphs, and complements FTIR, which is more sensitive to polar bonds.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Laser is focused
A laser is focused onto the sample through a microscope objective.
- 02
Light scatters
Most light scatters unchanged; a tiny fraction shifts in energy by exciting molecular vibrations.
- 03
Laser line is filtered
A filter blocks the laser wavelength and passes only the shifted Raman light.
- 04
Spectrum is recorded
A grating spreads the light by wavelength onto a CCD, giving intensity against Raman shift.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Carbon structure (D & G bands)
Assess graphitic order and defects from the D, G and 2D bands.
Useful forGraphene, CNTs, carbon black, biocharPhase & polymorph
Distinguish crystal phases and polymorphs of the same composition.
Useful forTiO₂ anatase/rutile, APIs, mineralsStrain & crystallinity
Follow peak shifts and widths linked to strain and crystalline order.
Useful forSemiconductors, thin films, polymersAqueous & sealed samples
Measure through glass or in water, where infrared is strongly absorbed.
Useful forSolutions, vials, hydrated materials04 / Test options
Choose the Raman Spectroscopy options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Powders, solids, films, fibres, liquids in sealed glass vials
- Quantity
- Around 10–50 mg of powder or 0.5–1 mL of liquid
- Solid size
- Up to ~20 × 20 mm, with a flat face preferred
- Laser choice
- Tell us if the sample fluoresces, is dark or is heat-sensitive
- Send a clean, flat area for the laser to focus on
- Mention the expected phase or compound, if known
- Seal liquids in a clean glass vial
- No dark, heat-sensitive samples without discussing laser power
- No strongly fluorescent dyes without discussing first
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Raman spectrum (intensity vs Raman shift)
- Peak positions in cm⁻¹
- ID/IG ratio for carbon samples on request
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 4–6 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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