Critical evaluation of a handheld Raman spectrometer with near infrared (785 nm) excitation for field identification of minerals
2011
Abstract
Handheld Raman spectrometers permit the recording of acceptable and good quality spectra of a large majority of minerals outdoors and on outcrops. Raman spectra of minerals in the current study were obtained using instruments equipped with 785 nm diode lasers.
Repetitive measurements carried out under an identical instrumental setup confirmed the reliability of the tested Raman spectrometers. For the detection of biomarkers and biomolecules using Raman spectroscopy, e.g. for exobiological applications, the near infrared excitation can be considered as a preferred excitation.
Areas of potential applications of the actual instruments include all kind of common geoscience work outdoors.