Raman Tools

Raman or FTIR? Selecting the appropriate technique

Raman and infrared (FTIR) are complementary techniques — they perceive the same molecules differently. One excels where the other remains silent. Answer a few questions about your sample and objective, and we will advise which technique to start with and why.

Your sample and objective

Rule of thumb: what Raman sees, and what FTIR sees

Raman Raman.

favors nonpolar and symmetric bonds (C=C, C–S, S–S, lattice vibrations), measures through water and glass, operates contactlessly and at the microscale. Its enemy is fluorescence. FTIR.

favors polar bonds with a large change in dipole moment (O–H, C=O, N–H), is inexpensive and fast, but water overwhelms it, and measurement typically requires contact/sample preparation.

Have a sample you don’t want to guess about?

We conduct feasibility studies even on the most challenging samples — on your material, at your site. Leave your contact, and we will review your case and tell you directly whether Spectrally can measure it.

Write to us and learn more

Aleksandra Łukasiewicz

Head of International Sales

+48 512 554 952 · +1 (804) 593-0282
a.lukasiewicz@gekkophotonics.com

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