Technical Development of Raman Spectroscopy: From Instrumental to Advanced Combined Technologies

Raman-based techniques have developed into excellent analytical tools in various research fields, primarily due to their noninvasive sampling capability, minimal sample preparation, and short analysis time. Major improvements in lasers, spectrometers, detectors, and holographic optical components have made Raman spectroscopy an effective tool for analyzing natural and synthetic materials. This article presents a short introduction to Raman spectroscopy and several recently related advances, including, Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, Raman sensing, and stand-off Raman spectroscopy techniques. Other topics discussed in this article are the importance of its combination with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF).