Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Teaching & Learning Packages Raman Spectroscopy Advantages and disadvantages
Raman Spectroscopy AimsBefore you startIntroductionRaman scatteringComparison with other types of spectroscopyRaman active modesMethod (dispersive Raman spectroscopy)Raman microspectroscopyAlternative techniquesAdvantages and disadvantagesApplicationsSummaryQuestionsGoing further
TLP creditsTLP contentsShow all content
Viewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
PreviousNext

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages...

Raman spectroscopy has a number of advantages over other analysis techniques.

  • Can be used with solids, liquids or gases.
  • No sample preparation needed. For infrared spectroscopy solids must be ground into KBr pellets or with nujol to form a mull.
  • Non-destructive
  • No vacuum needed unlike some techniques, which saves on expensive vacuum equipment.
  • Short time scale. Raman spectra can be acquired quickly.
  • Can work with aqueous solutions (infrared spectroscopy has trouble with aqueous solutions because the water interferes strongly with the wavelengths used)
  • Glass vials can be used (unlike in infrared spectroscopy, where the glass causes interference)
  • Can use down fibre optic cables for remote sampling.

...and disadvantages

  • Cannot be used for metals or alloys.
  • The Raman effect is very weak, which leads to low sensitivity, making it difficult to measure low concentrations of a substance. This can be countered by using one of the alternative techniques (e.g. Resonance Raman) which increases the effect.
  • Can be swamped by fluorescence from some materials.

PreviousNext