Raman Laser Spectroscopy

UCSB Earth Science operates a Bruker Senterra Raman Laser Microscope. The system includes:

532nm and 785nm lasers
1200 lines/mm & 4000 lines/mm gratings for both lasers
Spectral resolution of 3 cm-1.
Reflected Light, Polarized Light and Fixed Analyzer
100x Objective
automatic calibration of the wavelength axis using built-in neon lamp

This instrument is primarily used for a range of thermobarometric and structural measurements, including:

- Quartz-inclusion barometry,

Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material (RSCM)
thermometry (utilizing the reference standards and data
reduction protocols developed by Lünsdorf et al., (2017)

Assessment of radiation damage in accessory minerals
such as zircon

- rapid mineral identification

Example of combining quartz-in-garnet (QuiG) barometry (measured by Raman) with titanium-in-quartz thermometry (via EPMA) from a Himalayan schist. Figure from Johnson et al., (2021).

Examples of Raman Spectra obtained from the South Tibetan Detachment zone. Position of the graphite G band and D group defect bands are indicated. For each spectrum, the value of the mean R2 ratio (R2 = D1/[G + D1 + D2] peak area ratio) obtained after 10 decompositions is given. Figure from Cottle et al., (2011).