Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost

Until now, achieving both a high spectral resolution on the order of a few wavenumbers and the highest sensitivity in Raman scattering spectroscopy has required reliance on high-end laboratory instruments. Here, we introduce an innovative yet design-wise simple alternative: a cost-effective and comp...

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Main Authors: Goran Zgrablić, Davor Čapeta, Ana Senkić, Mario Rakić
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Photonics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6732/12/4/389
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author Goran Zgrablić
Davor Čapeta
Ana Senkić
Mario Rakić
author_facet Goran Zgrablić
Davor Čapeta
Ana Senkić
Mario Rakić
author_sort Goran Zgrablić
collection DOAJ
description Until now, achieving both a high spectral resolution on the order of a few wavenumbers and the highest sensitivity in Raman scattering spectroscopy has required reliance on high-end laboratory instruments. Here, we introduce an innovative yet design-wise simple alternative: a cost-effective and compact micro-Raman spectrometer (µRS) that combines exceptional spectral resolution and sensitivity. Leveraging industrial-grade CMOS cameras and high-quality photographic objectives, our µRS maintains a footprint at least five times smaller than traditional lab-based spectrometers. Through detailed characterization and direct experimental comparison, which includes the use of calcite as a Raman standard, we demonstrate that our µRS achieves a spectral resolution of down to 2.5 cm<sup>−1</sup>. Using a single-layer MoS<sub>2</sub> sample, we found that the sensitivity of our system, while somewhat lower, remains within a useful range compared to commercial research-grade confocal Raman microscopy systems. This study presents a compelling solution for researchers seeking efficient and high-resolution Raman spectroscopy tools across diverse applications, particularly in resource-limited or field-based settings.
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spelling doaj-art-3dc0ca016c014ee7a6441873962bc51c2025-08-20T02:18:01ZengMDPI AGPhotonics2304-67322025-04-0112438910.3390/photonics12040389Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low CostGoran Zgrablić0Davor Čapeta1Ana Senkić2Mario Rakić3Center for Advanced Laser Techniques, Institute of Physics, Bijenička 46, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaCenter for Advanced Laser Techniques, Institute of Physics, Bijenička 46, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaCenter for Advanced Laser Techniques, Institute of Physics, Bijenička 46, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaCenter for Advanced Laser Techniques, Institute of Physics, Bijenička 46, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaUntil now, achieving both a high spectral resolution on the order of a few wavenumbers and the highest sensitivity in Raman scattering spectroscopy has required reliance on high-end laboratory instruments. Here, we introduce an innovative yet design-wise simple alternative: a cost-effective and compact micro-Raman spectrometer (µRS) that combines exceptional spectral resolution and sensitivity. Leveraging industrial-grade CMOS cameras and high-quality photographic objectives, our µRS maintains a footprint at least five times smaller than traditional lab-based spectrometers. Through detailed characterization and direct experimental comparison, which includes the use of calcite as a Raman standard, we demonstrate that our µRS achieves a spectral resolution of down to 2.5 cm<sup>−1</sup>. Using a single-layer MoS<sub>2</sub> sample, we found that the sensitivity of our system, while somewhat lower, remains within a useful range compared to commercial research-grade confocal Raman microscopy systems. This study presents a compelling solution for researchers seeking efficient and high-resolution Raman spectroscopy tools across diverse applications, particularly in resource-limited or field-based settings.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6732/12/4/389Raman spectroscopycost-effectivecompact spectrometer
spellingShingle Goran Zgrablić
Davor Čapeta
Ana Senkić
Mario Rakić
Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost
Photonics
Raman spectroscopy
cost-effective
compact spectrometer
title Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost
title_full Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost
title_fullStr Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost
title_full_unstemmed Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost
title_short Constructing a Micro-Raman Spectrometer with Industrial-Grade CMOS Camera—High Resolution and Sensitivity at Low Cost
title_sort constructing a micro raman spectrometer with industrial grade cmos camera high resolution and sensitivity at low cost
topic Raman spectroscopy
cost-effective
compact spectrometer
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6732/12/4/389
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