Raman spectroscopy is a vibrational technique for identification and analysis of molecular species. It is one of the fastest growing techniques in molecular spectroscopy.

The science is based on the detection and processing of the scattered radiation produced from a molecule when it is irradiated with a monochromatic laser light. The spectrometer collects and disperses scattered radiation onto a detector. When the detector signal is processed, it produces the molecules unique Raman spectrum.

Raman is similar to FT-IR spectroscopy but has several distinct advantages. For example, Raman can be used to study solids, liquids, powders, gels, slurries and aqueous solutions. It does not require any special sample preparation, thus many studies may be performed in situ.