OPTICS, LASERS, AND MOLECULES: A STUDY OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Stephen Carr, Mojin Chen, Brian Delancy, Jason Elefant, Alice Huang, Nathaniel May, Avinash Moondra, John Nappo, Nicholas Paggi, Samuel Rosin, Marlee Silverstein, Daniel Zhang

Advisor: Dr. Robert Murawski
Assistant: Aaron Loether

ABSTRACT

Raman spectroscopy is a technique that can be used to examine the rotational and vibrational states of a molecule, as well as the number, strength, and identity of chemical bonds. It is a process in which photons interact with a sample to produce scattered radiation of varying wavelengths. Spectroscopy has been widely used across various fields to identify water and air pollutants, in addition to proving useful with a multitude of other applications. In this study of optics, lasers, and molecules, Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze different samples of water to test for impurities and the presence of foreign molecules. Samples tested included alcohols, water, and fertilizer. From the data collected, the accuracy of the setups could be confirmed by comparing alcohol spectra to accepted Raman readings and identify additional chemical components in fountain water and Glaceau SmartWater, a brand of bottled water. In addition, samples of various concentrations of fertilizer were analyzed to verify major chemical components as well as relate the concentration and intensity of the Raman signal.