What is Raman Spectroscopy?

Why in news?

• Scientists have developed a new low-cost substrate that can increase the sensitivity of Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) -- a vital analytical and sensing tool for detecting molecules. 
• The substrate is based on the unique sea urchin morphology of molybdenum trioxide for the rapid detection of industrial pollutants.

Key facts about the Raman spectroscopy

• It was discovered by C.V. Raman in 1928 to study the vibrational, rotational, and low-frequency modes of the molecules.
• Principle: The principle behind Raman spectroscopy is that the monochromatic radiation is passed through the sample such that the radiation may get reflected, absorbed, or scattered.
• The scattered photons have a different frequency from the incident photon as the vibration and rotational properties vary.
• Types of Raman Spectroscopy are
  • Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS)
  • Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
  • Micro-Raman Spectroscopy
  • Non-linear Raman Spectroscopic Techniques

What is a substrate?

• A substrate can be the surface on which an organism (eg: plant, fungus, or animal) lives or the substance on which an enzyme can act.

Q1) What is a Sea urchin?

A sea urchin is a small, spiny marine animal belonging to the class Echinoidea. Sea urchins are found in oceans all over the world, from shallow rocky shores to deep ocean trenches.

Source: New low-cost substrates can enhance the sensitivity of analytical tools for detecting toxic pollutants