Abstract

The problem of exciting Raman spectra of crystal powders with a laser is examined. Various methods of sample illumination are considered. An expression for the signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of stray exciting flux and fluorescence is derived and discussed. An experimental setup with sample holder, beam positioner, double monochromator, and pulse-counting detection is described. In many cases, fluorescence is the major source of unwanted background. Typical data are given for fluorescence, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratios in Raman lines. The probabilities of making a false observation of a line or missing a real line are discussed.

© 1968 Optical Society of America

Simple Crystal Powder Source for Raman Spectroscopy

Marvin C. Tobin
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 49(9) 850-853 (1959)

Laser-Excited Rotation–Vibration Raman Scattering in Ultra-Small Gas Samples*

J. J. Barrett and N. I. Adams
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(3) 311-319 (1968)

Rapid Scanning Raman Spectroscopy

Michel Delhaye
Appl. Opt. 7(11) 2195-2199 (1968)

Absolute Raman Scattering Cross-Section Measurement of the 992 cm⁻¹ Line of Benzene*

J. G. Skinner and W. G. Nilsen
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(1) 113-119 (1968)

Methods for Detecting Weak Light Signals

R. R. Alfano and N. Ockman
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(1) 90-95 (1968)