LEGO Blocks as "Standard" Samples for Evaluation of Fluorescence Avoidance and Mitigation in Raman Spectroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Fluorescence interference is a significant challenge in Raman spectroscopy, particularly for portable instruments with limited excitation wavelength options.
• Existing methods for fluorescence avoidance and mitigation lack standardized evaluation procedures, and commonly used test samples are not reproducible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a set of colored LEGO blocks as reproducible, low-cost standard samples for evaluating fluorescence interference in Raman spectroscopy.
• To investigate the Raman and visible-near-infrared spectra of these blocks at various excitation wavelengths.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of Raman spectra for a set of colored LEGO blocks using laboratory instruments at different excitation wavelengths.
• Measurement of visible-near-infrared spectra for the same set of blocks.
• Qualitative analysis of fluorescence origins and spectral characteristics.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of colored LEGO blocks as rugged, non-toxic, and easily storable standard samples.
• Presentation of spectral data (Raman and Vis-NIR) for LEGO blocks across multiple excitation wavelengths.
• Qualitative understanding of fluorescence behavior in relation to block color and excitation source.

Conclusions:

• Colored LEGO blocks serve as a viable and standardized approach for assessing fluorescence interference in Raman spectroscopy.
• This methodology provides a foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of fluorescence mitigation techniques in handheld Raman instruments.