ELIMINATION OF BACKGROUND IN FIBEROPTIC RAMAN MEASUREMENTS

A novel fiber-optic configuration with forward-scattering light collection is used to measure Raman spectra using long optical fibers with little background interference. This probe design allows control over the sample volume, and measurements can be made at considerable distances from the face of the optrode. The properties of this optical configuration are discussed, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. Normal Raman spectra were measured with this technique, with fibers as long as 100 m. The performance of the probe is not affected by highly scattering solutions. A similar technique was used to measure surface-enhanced Raman spectra on Ag electrodes with 250-m fibers.