Can a Solar Panel Detect a Raman Signal After Filtering Rayleigh Scattering?

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SUMMARY

A solar panel cannot effectively detect a Raman signal after filtering Rayleigh scattering due to its limitations compared to more suitable detectors. Photodiodes are recommended for their detailed specifications and circuit diagrams, but commercial Raman spectrometers typically utilize CCDs (charge-coupled devices) for their speed and ability to capture a wider spectrum simultaneously. A diffraction grating can disperse light, but it does not serve as a detector. For a homemade Raman setup, alternatives like a HeNe laser and notch filters are necessary for successful detection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Raman spectroscopy principles
  • Familiarity with photodiodes and CCDs
  • Knowledge of diffraction gratings and their function
  • Basic electronics for circuit design
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  • Research the use of CCDs in Raman spectroscopy
  • Learn about the function and application of notch filters
  • Explore DIY Raman spectrometer projects using smartphone cameras
  • Investigate the role of lasers, specifically HeNe lasers, in spectroscopy
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Researchers, hobbyists, and educators interested in building homemade Raman spectrometers or enhancing their understanding of optical detection methods in spectroscopy.

David lopez
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if you filter completely the relaigh scattering, could a solar panel detect a raman signal?
 
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If I were trying to make a Raman setup on the cheap and had plenty of time to scan a sample, I think I would wavelength disperse the beam and scan a photodiode across it. Using a photodiode has the advantage of detailed spec sheets and sample circuit diagrams many places on the internet.
 
so a solar panel won't work?
 
David lopez said:
so a solar panel won't work?
A solar cell is a photodiode. A photodiode might not be the best detector though.

Most commercial Raman spectrometers use CCDs (charge coupled devices) for detection, and these are relatively cheap and abundantly available: they are widely used in digital cameras. They are also fast. If you disperse the scattered light with a diffraction grating, a CCD array can easily detect a decent fraction of the relevant spectrum simultaneously, as opposed to sweeping the diffracted light past a single photodiode.

In fact (...google google google...) Yep:
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/ph400108p
I thought I remembered someone doing this already: they used their smartphone camera as a detector for a homemade Raman spectrometer.
 
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i bought a diffraction grating from a website named home science tools, this is a picture of it

My Snapshot.jpg


any reason it won't work?
 
A diffraction grating is not a detector. It simply disperses the different wavelengths of light.
 
Here's a youtuber who built a DIY version of a Raman detector:



As you can see, there's more to it than what you think.
 
i mean will the diffraction grating separate the raman signal from relaigh scattering?
 
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You didn't watch the video, did you?
 
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i did watch the video. can a homemade raman spectrometer detect carbon nanotubes?
 
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I don't think you did watch the video. If you did, you'd know that your solar panel plus diffraction grating is woefully inadequate for what you want to do.

You have a habit of ignoring responses to your messages and answers to your questions. That is not just wasteful and ineffective, but it makes people less likely to respond to you.
 
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no, i mean is there any way to build a homemade raman spectroscope that detects carbon nanotubes other than use a solar panel and diffraction grating. it doesn't have to use a solar panel and diffraction grating. it can use any other components instead. it uses something other than a solar panel and diffraction grating instead. i don't think you understood that question.
 
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Again, you show no signs of having watched that video. Do you have a HeNe laser? Do you have a notch filter? The only equipment you've mentioned is solar panels and diffraction gratings - now you say you won't use it, but you won't say what you will use. I think the only possible answer is "No, you won't be able to do this."
 
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  • #14
This thread seems to have gone into deadlock. Thanks everyone, but it is time to close this thread
 

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