Swept-source Raman spectroscopy of chemical and biological materials.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Biomedical Instrumentation

Background:

• Raman spectroscopy provides noninvasive molecular fingerprints for chemical analysis.
• Conventional dispersive Raman systems are bulky, limiting field applications.
• There is a need for portable and sensitive Raman spectroscopy systems for in situ measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact swept-source Raman (SS-Raman) spectroscopy system.
• To propose a signal processing method to overcome hardware limitations.
• To demonstrate the capabilities of the SS-Raman system for chemical and biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a wavelength-swept laser source (822-842 nm) and a low-noise silicon photoreceiver.
• Acquired Raman spectra from chemical standards (phenylalanine, hydroxyapatite, glucose, acetaminophen).
• Performed comparative analysis with dispersive Raman spectroscopy and Raman mapping on biological tissue.

Main Results:

• Developed a compact SS-Raman system with a straightforward signal processing method.
• Achieved high correlation coefficients (0.73-0.88) for chemical samples compared to dispersive Raman.
• Successfully generated Raman mapping of swine tissue, demonstrating biological applicability.

Conclusions:

• The compact SS-Raman system effectively acquires high-quality Raman spectra from chemical and biological materials.
• The developed signal processing enhances spectral quality cost-effectively.
• SS-Raman spectroscopy shows promise for diverse applications in chemistry and biomedicine.