ASTM E2529-06(2014)

4.1 Assessment of the spectrometer resolution and instrument line shape (ILS) function of a Raman spectrometer is important for intercomparability of spectra obtained among widely varying spectrometer systems, if spectra are to be transferred among systems, if various sampling accessories are to be used, or if the spectrometer can be operated at more than one laser excitation wavelength.

4.2 Low-pressure discharge lamps (pen lamps such as mercury, argon, or neon) provide a low-cost means to provide both resolution and wave number calibration for a variety of Raman systems over an extended wavelength range.

4.3 There are several disadvantages in the use of emission lines for this purpose, however.

4.4 To date, no such ideal sample has been identified; however carbon tetrachloride (see Practice E1683) and naphthalene (see Guide E1840) have been used previously for both resolution and Raman shift calibration.

4.5 The use of calcite to assess the resolution of a Raman system will be addressed in this guide. Calcite is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses many of the desired optical properties for a Raman resolution standard and is inexpensive, safe, and readily available.

4.6 The spectral bandwidth of dispersive Raman spectrometers is determined primarily by the focal length of the spectrometer, the dispersion of the grating, and the slit width. Field portable systems typically operate with fixed slits and gratings and thus operate with a fixed spectral bandwidth, while in many laboratory systems the slit widths and gratings are variable. The spectral bandwidth of Fourier-Transform (FT)-Raman systems is continuously variable by altering the optical path difference of the interferometer and furthermore is capable of obtaining much lower spectral bandwidth than most practical dispersive systems. Therefore, data obtained of a narrow Raman band on a FT-Raman system can be used to determine the resolution of a dispersive Raman system. A calibration curve of the full width at half height (FWHH) for the 1085-cm^-1 band of calcite as a function of spectral resolution has been reported for this purpose.4.7 This guide will describe the use of calcite and pen lamps for the evaluation of Raman spectrometer resolution for dispersive (grating based) Raman systems operating with a 785-nm laser wavelength.

1.1 This guide is designed for routine testing and assessment of the spectral resolution of Raman spectrometers using either a low-pressure arc lamp emission lines or a calibrated Raman band of calcite.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 Because of the significant dangers associated with the use of lasers, ANSI Z136.1 shall be followed in conjunction with this practice.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.