Quantitative analysis with FT-Raman: pratfalls and possibilities

FT-Raman and quantitative analysis are by some standards a rough mix. Scattering efficiencies of samples are dependent on a variety of factors. For example, sample morphology, homogeneity, beam geometry, sample presentation to excitation source, to name but a few, may all contribute towards scattering efficiency. Add to this the possibility for source radiation variation. These, together with the lower signal-to-noise generally available in a Raman experiment as compared with a mid-IR experiment, make the possibility of performing a satisfactory quantitative analysis with FT-Raman seem remote. However, the possibilities of FT-Raman make the goal of quantitative analysis by this technique an attractive one: ease of sample preparation, speed of data collection, non-destructive nature, and possibilities for remote analysis.