Raman Spectroscopy Achieves New Speed Record with Innovative Laser System

University of Tokyo researchers are announced the discovery of new methods to speed up Raman spectroscopy measurements by 100 fold. This approach promises to revolutionize biomedical diagnostics and material analysis with significant advances in the analysis of molecular “fingerprints,” making this proven technique more valuable for scientific applications.

Unlocking the Potential of Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy, one of the most extensively used techniques for recognition of molecules by the character of vibration, has long been held back by its poor rate of measurement. The technique is based on directing a beam of laser onto a sample which then interacts with the molecular bonds to make a specific spectral fingerprint. The identification of molecules by such vibrational fingerprints is very critical both in basic as well as in applied science, particularly in the detection of changes occurring in cells and biomolecules.

One major drawback: the measurement speed is sometimes too slow to keep up with rapid chemical or physical changes. Recognizing this limitation, researchers Takuma Nakamura, Kazuki Hashimoto, and Takuro Ideguchi in the Institute for Photon Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo aimed to upgrade the measurement speed by building a faster system from scratch.

Breakthrough in Optical Measurement Technology

It is based on a combination of coherent Raman spectroscopy, ultrashort pulse lasers, and time-stretch technology. The measurement rate achieved using their custom-built system with the optimized laser developed over the last few years was 50 megaspectra per second, an astonishing 100-fold increase compared with previous technologies, which were capped at 50 kilo spectra per second.

Lead investigator Takuro Ideguchi explained the significance of the discovery as, “Measurement is the basis of science, and so we aim to obtain the best performance in our systems.” This breakthrough technique will help the researchers revolutionize fields dependent on high-speed molecular analysis.

Expanding Applications in Biomedical and Material Sciences

This innovation opens wide doors for real-time high-throughput imaging in multiple fields where detailed imaging is necessary. The researchers expect to use their new spectrometer together with the microscope to capture images of 2D and 3D detail of molecular structures based on Raman scattering spectra. The accelerated measurement speed also enables the technique to be combined with flow cytometry and microfluidics, allowing for the analysis of very large quantities of cells or tissues without the need for fluorescent labeling.

This acceleration in Raman spectroscopy has tremendous potential to revolutionise the long-term prospect of biomedical diagnostics. We are significantly closing down to better detection of disease and drug development due to molecular and cellular analyses being performed at a greater speed with accuracy. This may serve as a precursor to developing even more faculty medical diagnostics in the long run.

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