Raman imaging spectrometer has special features like morphology and surface analysis. But basic raman generally provides information regarding vibrational frequencies of a molecule. Raman imaging has wide scope today. So i think Raman imaging is better.

With Best Wishes

T.Karthick

In my opinion, having a Raman Imaging system is a very good choice. Although a conventional Raman instrument can also be use as an imaging instrument after some modifications. But now there are increasing no. of applications of Raman Imaging systems, which allow spatially resolved details of your system. These kind of instruments cannot be bought every other year, so better to invest little more and get a superior instrument.

Raman imaging spectrometer can offer the 3D distribution image of the chemical molecules by recording the Raman spectra at various points. Raman spectrometer can only offer the Raman spectra.  Usually a weak laser and a monochromator with low resolution are used in Raman imaging spectrometer, and a strong laser and monochromator with high resolution are used in the Raman spectrometer. If you pay attention to the high quality of a Raman spectrum, you can purchase the Raman spectrometer, and if you concern the space distribution of a chemical compound, you may buy the Raman imaging spectrometer. And if you has enough money, I suggest you buy a Raman imaging spectrometer with a laser with strong power and a monochromator with high resolution and a liquid N2- cooled CCD.

Dear,

I think the best choice is the micro-Raman spectrometer. Indeed with such device you can plan bulk analysis but also micro-scale analysis in order to study the sample heterogeneity. Be carefull about the laser wavelenth you select.

Regards.

ludovic.

Thank you all for your kind suggestions..

Normal Raman spectrmeter can provide a Raman spectra which gives vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes of the molecule. The spectra obtained will be an average spectra of an area of about 1 micron. Raman imaging is basically works in the same principle, however have an auto sample stage making it possible to take thousands of spectra of the sample at different points (of a specific area) set by the user. Images are recorded point by point and line by line, while scanning the sample through the excitation focus. With this technique, the specimen can be analyzed in segments along the optical xy axis and even z axis. XY axis imaging gives a map of the plane providing information about different chemical entity. Z mapping can provide 3 D images of different chemical entity of the heterogeneous sample. The confocal setup usually found in Raman imaging microscopes provide a spacial resolution to about 250nm.

That depend of your samples and topics.

Additional option (imaging) means additional risk of failure and expenses !