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Advances in Raman Microscopy from UCLA in Conjunction with Renishaw

Renishaw plc.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA, combines Raman microscopy with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study archaeological textiles and fibers

21 Jul 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

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UCLA use a Renishaw SEM-SCA system to study textiles and fibers, non-destructively. The full paper describing the work has been published by the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.).

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UCLA delivers novel and highly innovative research that advances basic and applied knowledge in materials. This is achieved through interactions with the external community, and educational outreach and industrial collaborations. This is illustrated by a paper joint-authored by scientists from UCLA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology and instrumentation manufacturer, Renishaw1. The paper “New Advancements in SERS Dye Detection Using Interfaced SEM and Raman Spectromicroscopy (µRS)” is published in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. It describes how a SEM may be interfaced with µRS to provide a means of non-destructively identifying organic compounds in complex samples, such as single fibers, by extractionless analysis. This enables the characterization of dyes from reference collections and archaeological textiles.

The lead author of the work is UCLA scientist, Dr Sergey V Prikhodko. He describes why Raman Spectromicroscopy has become a powerful analytical technique for the study of artistic, historical and archaeological materials: “As a non-destructive method that may also be interfaced with other techniques, it makes the sample reusable for subsequent analyses after performing µRS. In situ morphological characterization, elemental identification and structural analysis integrates µRS with SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in the ‘hyphenated’ SEM-EDS-µRS system, at UCLA. This vital capability was brought together with the Renishaw SEM-SCA interface, where a Nova 230 SEM (FEI) is coupled to the Renishaw inVia confocal Raman microscope to provide structural and chemical analysis in situ.”

Dr Prikhodko’s results on samples of various fibers clearly illustrate the potential of this non-destructive method. Interfacing SEM with µRS provides a very powerful tool to analyze unique and irreplaceable samples and artifacts quickly and in a cost-effective manner.

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Raman SpectroscopyRaman spectroscopy is used to discern the vibrational and rotational states of molecules and hence the chemical composition of a sample by measuring the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light. Explore a range of Raman spectrometers, including handheld/portable Raman spectrometers for QC/QA labs and in situ spectrometers for processes. Conduct Raman imaging for microanalysis of mixed samples using a Raman microscope. Raman spectrographs are also available. Find the best Raman spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Non-Destructive TechniquesNon-destructive techniques (NDT) describes a variety of analytical techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material. Common methods include ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, remote visual inspection (RVI), and eddy-current testing. NDT is regularly used in forensic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, and medicine.Electron MicroscopyElectron microscopes (EM) are used to create high-resolution images of samples at the nanoscale by means of an accelerated beam of electrons as a source of illumination. Types of electron microscope include scanning electron microscopes (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM) and cryo-electron microscopes. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes are useful for modifying or milling a sample surface with nanometer precision, as well as imaging. Find the best electron microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.FibersSpectrometrySpectrometry is a technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It provides valuable information about the composition, structure, and molecular weight of compounds. Used across a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, spectrometry is essential for identifying substances, analyzing mixtures, and developing new products. Explore the best spectrometry tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.SEMScanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a technique that uses a focused electron beam to scan a sample and create high-resolution images. It is widely used in materials science, nanotechnology, and biological research. Explore SEM systems in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Advances in Raman Microscopy from UCLA in Conjunction with Renishaw