Raman Spectromicroscopy: A Tool to “See” Subtle Aspects in Science, Technology, and Engineering

Abstract

It will not be an exaggeration to say that there is a component of Raman spectroscopy in every scientist’s life, of course with different involvement levels. The “Raman-effect” based techniques have evolved over a period of time to cater to the needs of all researchers who work in a domain involving materials. Raman microscopy, one such technique, quantitatively displays dynamic variation in materials’ properties by amalgamating spectroscopic information collected by means of spatial, temporal and thermal imaging method. Spatial Raman imaging is one of the most widely used Raman microscopic tools, which enables one to image the Raman mode distribution over the sample and is of immense use, especially in biology and engineering. On the other hand, a Raman image evolution with time can be mapped to know how a Raman mode, and reasons therein, behaves with time. Similarly, a thermal Raman map gives information about the effect of temperature on the material to understand temperature dependent phase changes in a material. Here Raman spectromicroscopic techniques and their application in different aspects related to material science have been discussed to highlight how Raman microscopy can be used in areas where hesitancy is observed due to not much awareness about the potential of Raman-related spectromicroscopic techniques.