New Cell for the Fourier Transform Raman Analysis of Fiber and Textile Samples

Abstract

A new cell has been developed for the measurement of fiber and textile samples using FT-Raman spectroscopy. It improves the strength of the signal over that of conventional solid cells by the compression of the samples to be analyzed and the use of a mirror to reflect scattered radiation back out of the cell and into the collection lens of the spectrometer. The new cell also eliminates the problem of cell window material interfering with the sample spectrum, since the laser passes through a windowless aperture to reach the sample. This consideration is particularly important when spectra are being obtained from weakly scattering samples. The design, optimization, and use of the new cell are presented. The performance of the new cell in terms of improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and elimination of spectral artifacts is compared to that of other conventional sampling techniques. Significant improvements in spectral quality were obtained from both natural and synthetic fiber and textile samples.