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Evaluation of the Raman Spectra of LEGO Blocks and Fluorescence Avoidance Using Pulsed Laser Excitation and
Richard A Crocombe1, Mary Kate Donais2, Pauline E Leary3
1Crocombe Spectroscopic Consulting, 30 Thornberry Road, Winchester, Massachusetts 01890, USA.
Applied Spectroscopy
|November 12, 2025
Summary
This study evaluated colored LEGO blocks using time-resolved Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of these blocks as standards for assessing Raman instrument performance, especially for dark samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- LEGO blocks were previously established as standards for evaluating Raman spectroscopy performance.
- Previous work assessed handheld Raman instruments using these blocks, revealing manufacturer optimizations.
- This study extends the evaluation using advanced time-resolved techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of time-resolved Raman spectroscopy using colored LEGO blocks as standards.
- To compare time-resolved Raman spectroscopy results with previous studies using different Raman techniques.
- To confirm the inorganic pigments of the LEGO blocks using X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a fast-repetition-rate, short-pulse laser with a single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) array detector for time-resolved Raman spectroscopy.
- Collected Raman spectra from a series of colored and tone-varying LEGO blocks.
- Acquired X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra to identify inorganic pigments in the blocks.
Main Results:
- Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy provided new insights into instrument performance, particularly for challenging dark samples.
- Comparison with previous studies highlighted the advantages of time-resolved approaches.
- XRF analysis confirmed the presence of specific inorganic pigments, correlating with Raman spectral data.
Conclusions:
- Colored LEGO blocks are effective and versatile standards for evaluating advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques, including time-resolved methods.
- Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy offers enhanced capabilities for analyzing complex samples and challenging materials.
- The combination of Raman spectroscopy and XRF provides a robust approach for material identification and characterization.
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