Use of a rapid scanning stigmatic Raman imaging spectrograph in the industrial environment

Abstract Raman spectroscopy is steadily growing in importance in the industrial analytical laboratory. The nature of the equipment, its ease of use and its cost are making the method more acceptable to non‐experts. This paper illustrates the capabilities of a recent commercialized Raman system which fulfils the criteria of ease of use, speed and low cost. The system is designed for Raman microscopy and uses a single spectrograph and CCD detector. The combination provides confocal microscopy, high throughput and optimum sensitivity, to the extent that it only requires the use of a low‐powered laser to provide high‐quality spectral data. The additional feature of direct Raman imaging is seen as being beneficial in the industrial environment in that it provides spatial information over large surface areas quickly and without the need for excessive amounts of data processing. The performance of the instrument is illustrated with applications taken from the industrial environment.