Raman Technology

What are the Raman effect and Raman scattering?

Raman effect and Raman scattering explained in a few words

Raman principle

Schematization of the scatter mechanisms

Raman scattering is a specific type of light scattering that occurs as part of the Raman effect, where some of the scattered light undergoes energy changes corresponding to molecular vibrations, providing valuable insights into molecular structure and dynamics.

The terms “Raman effect” and “Raman scattering” are closely related, but refer to different aspects of the same phenomenon resulting from Raman spectroscopy.

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Basic principle of Raman spectroscopy

Raman Spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique which provides detailed information about chemical structure, phase and polymorphism, crystallinity and molecular interactions. It is based upon the interaction of light with the chemical bonds within a material.

Molecules, nanoparticles or other microscopic particles are made of atoms held together by chemical bonds. These bonds act like springs, allowing the atoms to oscillate back and forth around their equilibrium positions. The specific ways in which the atoms can vibrate is called the vibration modes. Raman spectroscopy is used to study them.

Raman is a light scattering technique, whereby a molecule scatters incident light from a high-intensity laser light source. The scattered light is mostly the same wavelength as the laser source and lacks useful information. However, a small amount of light (typically 0.000001%) is scattered at different wavelengths (or colors), which depend on the chemical structure of the sample.
 

Definition of Raman effect and Raman scattering

The Raman effect refers to the phenomenon discovered by Sir C. V. Raman in 1928. It describes the inelastic scattering of light when it interacts with matter, particularly molecules. In the Raman effect, some of the incident light scatters off the molecule with changed energy levels, corresponding to the vibrational modes of the molecule. It provides valuable information about the molecular structure, chemical bonds, and vibrational dynamics.

Raman scattering is a specific type of scattering of light that occurs as part of the Raman effect. It refers to the process where incident light interacts with molecules and scatters off in different directions. Some of this scattered light keeps the same energy as the incident light (Rayleigh scattering), while some undergo energy changes (Raman scattering). Therefore, Raman scattering is a subset of the overall Raman effect, focusing specifically on the scattering of light with changed energy levels because of interactions with molecular vibrations.

Our solutions for Raman analysis

HORIBA is a leading provider of analytical and scientific instrumentation, renowned for its innovative technologies and reliable performance. HORIBA’s Raman spectrometers are at the forefront of molecular analysis and characterization and offer precise and reliable measurements, allowing researchers and industrial users to gain valuable insights into molecular structure, composition, and dynamics. With advanced features, user-friendly interfaces, and a commitment to excellence, they are trusted tools for a wide range of applications.

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