Raman spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to identify molecular composition and structure by measuring the scattering of monochromatic light, usually from a laser. When light interacts with a sample, most photons scatter elastically, but a small fraction scatter inelastically, resulting in a shift in energy that provides information about molecular vibrations.
This technique is valuable in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and material science, as it can analyze solids, liquids, and gases without requiring extensive sample preparation. Raman spectroscopy is particularly useful for studying complex mixtures and identifying substances in real-time.