Raman Spectroscopy

[spotsandstripes]

how do you interpret a Raman spectra? How do you know which bonds are in what peaks? I totally don't get it all and I really need help with this. :(

[Buenchico]

Ah, I've only just seen this question (after asking for more information on your Chatterbank thread).

I know nothing about this subject (other than what I've just googled) but that's not surprising because
(a) the technique hadn't even been invented when I did my degree ; and
(b) I'm a mathematician, not a chemist/bio-chemist/physicist or whatever else you are.

However my first bit of advice is to (temporarily) forget about websites and to head to the university library. Check the catalogue to see if there's anything available on Raman spectroscopy. If not, speak to the Librarian. No, I don't mean one of the library assistants; I mean the Academic Librarian who (if he/she is any good at their job) should be regarded as equal to the head of any faculty in the university with regard to their knowledge and status. (they're frequently a greatly under-used resource!). Ask them about inter-library transfers. If YOUR library hasn't got books on the subject, another university library (or the library of a specialist institute or society) almost certainly has.

A Google 'books' search suggests a few titles which you might look for:
http://www.google.co....29b1&biw=1280&bih=861
(Unless you're super-rich, don't even think about buying them. They all seem to be over £100 each!).

As far as I can tell from a bit of googling, interpretation of a Raman spectrum is usually done by simply comparing the peaks on that spectrum to known data. In the simplest of cases that can be done manually but more complex spectra are analysed by appropriate software. In either case it it done by reference to a 'spectral library' of known results. ('Spectral library' is something which you might benefit from googling; I've only scraped the surface here).

OK, it's not much but I hope that I might have pointed you in the right direction.

Chris

[spotsandstripes]

Thank you Bue, you have helped me so many times on here :D I really appreciate it.
I never thought of online books either.
I'm a Scientist-to-be (Matter of months before I obtain a degree).
Spectral comparisons is what I am trying to do however I couldnt find an appropriate website for this. I will google some more. Staying up til 6:30 am on my dissertation, who is a keen lady? hmmm...

Thanks very much for the help :D

[exdc]

Hi, if you get really stuck try contacting this company who make Raman Specta

http://resources.reni...on?options=less&div=8

THere is a link, bottom right to ask any questions