The Forensics Mentors Institute

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MS in Forensic Science (M.S.F.S.)
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Raman Spectroscopy: An Introduction - Anthony J. Macherone, M.A.

Raman spectroscopy is a light scattering phenomenon that offers molecular vibrational data complimentary to that obtained through infrared spectroscopy. In this seminar, we will review the history of Raman spectroscopy dating back to A. Smeckels theoretical prediction of inelastic shifts in scattered light through present day applications of the Raman effect. The phenomenological description of light scattering and the Raman effect will be discussed, as will the benefits of using Raman instead of infrared spectroscopy. A review of what type of data is obtained from a Raman experiment and the type of samples that are amenable to Raman spectroscopy will be presented. Finally, we will present a brief review of who is using Raman spectroscopy and present possible future applications in the field of forensic chemistry.