Gemstone Identification Using Raman Spectroscopy (PDF)

The following is a summary of selected articles published recently in Spectroscopy on the subject of handheld, portable, and wearable spectrometers representing a variety of analytical techniques and applications. Here we take a closer look at the ever shrinking world of spectroscopy devices and how they are used. As spectrometers progress from bulky lab instruments to compact, portable, and even wearable devices, the future of spectroscopy is transforming dramatically. These advancements enable real-time, on-site analysis across diverse industries, from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This summary article explores cutting-edge developments in miniaturized spectrometers and their expanding range of practical applications.

An interview with Paul Pudney, a winner of the William F. Meggers Award.

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method using Raman and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with gold nanoparticles to accurately quantify intracellular cholesterol.

Volker Deckert, the winner of the 2013 Charles Mann Award, is advancing the use of tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to push the lateral resolution of vibrational spectroscopy well below the Abbe limit, to achieve single-molecule sensitivity. Because the tip can be moved with sub-nanometer precision, structural information with unmatched spatial resolution can be achieved without the need of specific labels.

Researchers from India developed a new micro-Raman spectroscopy system to detect and analyze microplastics.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants requiring robust analytical techniques for identification and quantification in diverse environmental and biological matrices. This review highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, FT-IR, NIR, ICP-MS, Fluorescence, X-ray, and NMR detailing their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing MPs and NPs.