RamanIR

RamanIR denotes the integrated use of Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy to provide complementary vibrational data from a molecular sample. It is not a single instrument; rather, it refers to an approach or research area in which Raman and IR measurements are combined, compared, or fused to improve molecular identification and characterization.

Raman and IR spectroscopy rely on different molecular properties. Raman scattering arises from changes in molecular polarizability, while infrared absorption involves changes in dipole moment. By analyzing both spectra together, RamanIR offers a more complete vibrational fingerprint, enabling functional group assignment and detection of species that may be weak in one modality but strong in the other. The combined data can also support more robust material characterization and molecular identification.

Practically, RamanIR involves performing Raman and IR measurements on the same sample (or region) and applying data fusion or multivariate analysis to align spectra, normalize intensities, and correlate peaks. Instrumentation can include dedicated multimodal platforms or sequential use of a Raman spectrometer and an FT-IR instrument, with careful sample handling to avoid cross-contamination. Data processing often employs chemometrics or machine learning to interpret the integrated spectra.

Applications span materials science, chemistry, biology, and art conservation, including polymer characterization, carbon materials, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. The approach emphasizes complementary insights, improved spectral assignment, and robust identification, though it may face challenges such as differing spatial resolution, sample preparation requirements, and data integration complexity.