Learning Objectives

• Describe the key parts of a Raman spectrometer
• Describe the purpose of each part of a Raman spectrometer

Prior Knowledge and Skills

7.2 History of Raman Spectroscopy

Key Terms

• Notch filter
• Diffraction Grating
• CCD (Detector)

Guided Inquiry

Watch this video animation on major components of a Raman spectrometer:

7.4.1 What four parts are found in all Raman spectrometers?

Read and watch these resources to learn about the parts of a Raman spectrometer in more detail:

• Raman Lasers:  https://youtu.be/6zRINIH6jWg 
• Notch Filter: https://www.iridian.ca/product-notch-filters/ 
• Diffraction Grating: https://youtu.be/5BoH1DLt1RI 
• CCD Detector: https://www.horiba.com/aut/scientific/technologies/detectors/what-is-a-ccd-detector/

7.4.2 What is the purpose of a notch filter?

7.4.3. Why is a diffraction grating used in a Raman spectrometer?

The JMU Raman Spectrometer:

Watch: Raman: Parts of the Raman Spectrometer

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9THvX1ik640%3Ffeature%3Doembed

This is a diagram with the parts of the Ocean Optics IDRaman Micro labelled:

For comparison, here is a research-grade Raman spectrometer at the University of Colorado, Boulder: https://www.colorado.edu/geologicalsciences/resources/research-facilities/raman-microspectroscopy-lab 

7.4.4 Why does the Ocean Optics Raman have a non-laser LED light?

Summary

Raman spectrometers are all built around the principles that C.V. Raman developed and have some common parts necessary to function.  However, many different configurations exist depending upon use, and these configurations may require additional optics and parts.

References

AMiGEO. Raman: Parts of the Raman Spectrometer (Apr 30, 2018)

Laura J. Bonales, Jone M. Elorrieta, Álvaro Lobato and Joaquin Cobos (October 5th 2016). Raman Spectroscopy, a Useful Tool to Study Nuclear Materials, Applications of Molecular Spectroscopy to Current Research in the Chemical and Biological Sciences, Mark T. Stauffer, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/64436. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/applications-of-molecular-spectroscopy-to-current-research-in-the-chemical-and-biological-sciences/raman-spectroscopy-a-useful-tool-to-study-nuclear-materials.