FT-Raman Spectroscopy with Fiber-Optic Probes and a Diode-Bar-Pumped Nd:YAG Laser

Abstract

FT-Raman spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be a useful technique for measuring spectra in the absence of interfering fluorescence. Previous measurements have used conventional 90° or 180° sampling geometries, with the use of lenses or mirrors. In this paper, spectra have been measured with the use of a bifurcated fiber-optic bundle, which both delivers the laser excitation to the sample and collects the scattered light, delivering it to the spectrometer. The sampling is easy and routine, requiring almost no sample alignment, and provides a quick and convenient method of remote sampling. Additionally, a prototype diode-bar-pumped Nd: YAG laser was used as the excitation source. This compact laser provides more than adequate power to allow the acquisition of high-quality Raman data. A comparison between this laser and a more conventional flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser is made.