Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that probes molecular vibrations, crystal structure, strain, defects, phonons, and chemical bonding by measuring inelastically scattered light. In nanotechnology, Raman spectroscopy is especially valuable because it can identify materials and structural changes without requiring extensive sample preparation. It is widely used for graphene, carbon nanotubes, semiconductors, polymers, nanocrystals, biological samples, and thin films.
Raman spectroscopy matters because it connects optical measurement with nanoscale structure and function. It can reveal layer number in 2D materials, defect density in carbon materials, crystallinity, phase transitions, stress, chemical composition, and molecular fingerprints. Enhanced methods such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy push sensitivity and spatial resolution further, linking Raman methods to nanoscale spectroscopy, sensors, and surface analysis. The technique is also important for nanocharacterization.
Conferences on Raman spectroscopy appear in spectroscopy, photonics, nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry, and biomedical programs. Sessions often cover instrumentation, 2D materials, SERS, TERS, chemical imaging, and in situ studies. Tracking Raman events helps researchers follow a widely used method for non-destructive analysis of nanoscale materials and devices.
To learn more, read our detailed glossary article on raman spectroscopy.