Accessible Sensing Technology for Raman Spectroscopy

14 Feb 2025

Spectroscopy examines and employs the interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation. One of the most important NIR techniques is Raman spectroscopy, which requires little to no sample preparation.

Raman spectroscopy has a number of significant advantages over other techniques. For example, due to it requiring no or minimal sample preparation, the Raman spectrometer can be implemented as a portable, handheld device, allowing for a “point and shoot” spectrum acquisition. Advantages such as this make Raman spectrometers widely used in applications such as the detection of controlled substances in forensics, authentication of artwork, and “through package” quality control of pharmaceuticals.

A typical Raman spectroscopy configuration requires a laser light source with a narrow spectral width and high wavelength stability, a spectrometer to disperse Raman scattered light, typically a polychromator with a diffraction grating, a detector with high sensitivity, and an image sensor to detect the multiple wavelengths that are dispersed. It is important to note that the appropriate sensor needs to be selected to match the measurement wavelength (wavenumber) range by considering the wavelength of the laser light source.

Hamamatsu Photonics offers high-performance components and modules for Raman spectroscopy applications. Covering both the visible (300-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-2500 nm) range, these components and modules are suitable for analyzing substances including inorganic compounds, organic matter, solids, liquids, and gases.

Used in industrial, analytical, and spectroscopy markets, Hamamatsu’s CMOS linear image sensor, S16596-4096-11, is an excellent choice for Raman spectroscopy applications. Having a photosensitive area with vertically long pixels (7x200 μm), a maximum data rate of 10 MHz, low readout noise (typ. 0.4 mV rms), and high dynamic range (5000 times), it includes key functions such as simultaneous charge integration for all pixels, variable integration time, an electronic shutter, and a built-in timing generator.

Additionally, Hamamatsu provides a driver circuit that offers a 16-bit digital output and is compatible with USB 2.0 interfaces. The power supply is DC+5V, which can be provided via the USB bus power. The readout frequency of the driver circuit is 10MHz, and the size of the Sensor Board is 20 x 41.6 mm, while the interface board measures 45 x 50 mm. The external synchronization operation is also available with this driver circuit.

Learn more about how Hamamatsu’s technology is enhancing spectral resolution and sensitivity for precise analysis and unlocking new insights across various industries.

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