Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy of Long-Chain Molecules Containing Strongly Absorbing Chromophores

Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy shows considerable promise as a new characterization technique for molecules which contain chromophores which absorb in the visible region, the region where conventional Raman measurements are made. With the use of near-infrared excitation, spectra in the absence of fluorescence and resonance enhancement are obtained. These advantages can be further enhanced if the collection of data using this technique becomes routine, requiring a level of complexity comparable to that of conventional Raman scattering. Toward that end, the implementation of a 90° scattering geometry in our FT-Raman measurements was undertaken, and the results are shown to be at least comparable to those obtained with the use of reflective optics in a 180° geometry. A number of results on both liquids and solids have also been obtained in order to compare FT-Raman with conventional scanning Raman measurements.