Fast Raman mapping now available at UTAS. This means researchers can now take a ‘chemical photograph’ of their sample with a spatial resolution of under 1 micrometre. It also can provide real three dimensional images as Raman is a confocal technique. The instrument has 4 different laser excitation lines, an external fibre optic probe for the analysis of larger samples and a heating & freezing cell to analyse samples at variable temperatures.
The applications for Raman are numerous and wide ranging. For example medicinal and pharmaceutical researchers will use Raman mapping to study the changes of nerve and brain cells due to pathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease. Geological researchers will use the rapid mapping feature to identify minerals und use the 3D imaging for very small melt and fluid inclusion in volcanic rock. Raman spectroscopy will also be used by chemist to better understand catalytic processes and to provide information of in-house produced materials such as lab-on-a-chip and nanodiamonds.
For further information on this facility and the applications please visit the Vibrational Spectroscopy site on the CSL webpage or directly contact Dr Thomas Rodemann.