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.
