Hi all, I am wondering how you would run volcanic ash samples through a raman spectrometer. Specifically, what apparatus would you use to hold the sample while the raman spectrum is being collected?
Hallo Alexander,
it depends on the type of spectrometer/Imager you have. Also, what you want to learn about the sample. Do you want to investigate the microscopic structure or distribution in the ashes or just need a "bulk" spectrum. In general I would recommend to use a Raman microscope and a metall (e.g. aluminium) holder. Avoid glas or plastic carriers as they show their own bands and sometimes tend to have fluoresence backgrounds. Hope that helps for the start. Usually you put the sample directly in the Laserbeam and collect the spectrum in 180° or 90° geometry, depending what device you have.
Cheers
Peter
Dear Alexander,
As Peter Carl mentioned, it is first necessary to clarify if you require microscopic or macroscopic information from your sample. I assume that volcanic ash will have a heterogeneous distribution so using a Raman microscope with the sample filled into a suitable compartment, e.g. a disposable aluminium cup, may be a suitable way to track the spatial distribution of individual components.
If you have a sufficient amount of sample material available another option would be to press it into the form of a pellet/tablet (however, I am not sure if this would work without the addition of a binder material). The circular sample could then be mounted into an optics holder, if diameter of sample and holder can be matched. This would allow to probe the specimen under a Raman microscope but also in a macroscopic Raman setup.
Best regards,
Kay
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