Raman spectrometers work by focusing a laser on a target object. A small part of the beam (one in 100,000,000 photons) interacts with the chemical bonds of the targeted material and scatters at different wavelengths. By reading the wavelengths of the Raman-scattered light, scientists can determine the chemical composition and molecular structure of the material. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)[back]
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