Molecular Fingerprinting
Every material has its own unique fingerprint. By using a Raman Spectrometer, you can identify and compare the fingerprints of different materials and chemicals. Find out if that rock on your ring is diamond or cubic zirconium, or check out the fingerprint of an everyday pain killer. Place a sample in front of the spectrometer's laser to create an image of its "fingerprint." The computer image is created when the laser from the spectrometer excites the electrons in the sample, causing them to change energy state.
Core Curriculum Connections
Molecular Fingerprinting relates to the following Utah State Core Curriculum Standards and Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
- Chemistry 2.1 a,b,d
Further Learning Links
The following links lead to further learning resources about the scientific principles demonstrated in this exhibit. If you know of a website that would be useful to include, please let us know.
What is Raman Spectroscopy
Raman Basics
The Basics of Spectroscopy
