Fluorescence Rejection in Raman Spectroscopy by Shifted-Spectra, Edge Detection, and FFT Filtering Techniques

Abstract

The use of shifted-spectra, first-derivative spectroscopy (or edge detection), and fast Fourier transform filtering techniques for fluorescence rejection in Raman spectra is demonstrated. These techniques take advantage of the fact that Raman signals are very narrow in comparison to fluorescence bands in order to discriminate between the two. None of these techniques require modification of existing instrumentation. Fast Fourier transform filtering and deconvolution techniques also provide a means of improving spectral resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio.