Raman Spectroscopy Applications

Built with an intuitive workflow for demanding applications

With this non-destructive method that requires little to no sample preparation, Raman is the ideal technique for ultra-fast chemical imaging for a wide range of scientific investigations. From drug development and quality control to the categorization of battery components to the identification of microplastics that pollute our environment, Thermo Scientific Raman spectrometers make it easy to characterize molecular structures without becoming a Raman expert. 

Pharmaceutical applications of Raman spectrometers

Pharmaceutical customers can employ Raman in several stages of their workflow—from drug formulation and development to quality control. Raman can quickly identify the chemical structure of samples to pinpoint defects and contaminants, helping pharmaceutical companies to maintain product consistency. 

  • Rapid imaging for API distribution analysis
  • Non-destructive analysis for minimal sample preparation
  • Options for bulk sampling
  • Identification of isomers, hydrates and polymorphs
  • Verified reliability and stability of analysis

Raman spectroscopy for polymers

The desirable properties of consumer products are constantly evolving, requiring researchers and manufacturers to be three steps ahead. As such, polymer compound researchers require tools that quickly identify failure modes, material distribution, and material properties in complex compounds. Raman spectroscopy is capable of non-destructively probing layered materials, informing researchers on the structure and crystallinity of compounds, and offering spatial resolution below 1μm.

  • Visualization of 3D confocal spectral data
  • Quick understanding of multi-layer samples at high resolution
  • Data on structure and crystallinity

Academic research using Raman spectrometers

While researchers using multiple instruments or shared labs need to be experts in their specific fields, they don’t have the time to become experts in analytical techniques. With the DXR3 Raman family of instruments, academic researchers can use Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, and imaging to advance their knowledge and reputation in their own field of work without mastering a new scientific technique. This family of instruments does not require an expert to set up the instrument, collect data, or interpret the results.

  • Reliable performance driven by user-initiated automated alignment and calibration
  • Employed by shared labs for pharmacy, geology, materials science, life sciences, and chemistry

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Applications of Raman spectroscopy in semiconductor processing

Raman analysis of semiconductor materials enable researchers and manufacturers to quickly analyze the behavior of new components and materials. The ability of Raman to detect stress in materials allows for quick and effective defect analysis, which is vital for electronics manufacturers trying to improve the yield and reliability of products. The DXR3 Raman family offers a broad range of options to support the needs of electronics researchers and manufacturers from early-stage research to quality control.

  • Automated alignment and calibration for reliable performance
  • Quick understanding of thin film samples at high resolution
  • 2D and 3D correlation imaging to quickly visualize spectral data and inform customer decisions
  • Elimination of manual steps with automatic x-axis calibration

Battery materials analysis using Raman spectroscopy

The complex nature of batteries requires a multi-faceted combination of electro-chemical analyses and materials characterization techniques. Raman spectroscopy has emerged as an important analytical technique that can be used to characterize a variety of battery components. Battery researchers and developers need to understand the structural and material changes of battery components to optimize rate capability, distance on charge, discharge, and safety.

  • Minimal sample preparation for ex situ analysis of anode and cathode materials
  • Real-time analysis of structural and material changes in lithium-ion batteries

Raman microplastics analysis

Our use of plastics in everyday items and manufacturing processes has resulted in a deluge of slowly degradable materials entering our environment and our food chain. Academic and industrial researchers are leveraging new analytical techniques to assess the risks of microplastics found in the environment and consumer products. Raman microscopy can help to identify, characterize, and quantify microplastics from a variety of sample sources such as bottled water, ocean water, and industry waste streams without the need to become a spectroscopy expert.

  • Automated, multi-point microplastics analysis and identification
  • Advanced software for optical and chemical location, characterization, and identification of microplastics on filters
  • High spatial resolution for the analysis of small particles to complement fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis

Graphene materials characterization using Raman spectrometers

Characterizing specialty materials such as graphene requires noninvasive methods, making Raman a top choice. Many material traits including disorder, edge, and grain boundaries, thickness, doping, strain, and thermal conductivity can be learned from the Raman spectrum and its behavior under varying physical conditions.

  • Detailed characterization of structure and layer thickness
  • High level of stability, control, and sensitivity needed to produce confident results

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.