Application Note: Representative sampling of solids and turbid media in process raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is an analysis technique that provides a “molecular fingerprint” of the sample, enabling analysis of chemical composition and molecular structure without sample preparation. As a measurement technique, Raman imparts many benefits in applications from laboratory discoveries to feedback-control in manufacturing.

Key Issues

• Understanding the effect of optical scattering on collection of Raman signal in solids and turbid media
• Large volumetric Raman probes harnesses optical scattering to get representative sampling in solids
• Backscattered Raman probes reduces optical scattering for robust in situ bioprocess monitoring and control

Introduction

In situ real-time analysis, compatibility with aqueous systems, non destructive nature, and high chemical specificity means that the Raman-analyzed sample is representative of the process. Because Raman is a non-destructive technique, the same sample measured by Raman can also be measured by other analytical techniques. These well-known features have been harnessed throughout the pharmaceutical industry for small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing and bioprocessing.