A Computer Controlled Raman Spectrometer System

We describe a software system and a hardware interface between a laser Raman spectrometer and a time-shared computer. This data acquisition system controls the wavelength drive of the spectrometer and the analyzer orientation using stepping motors and position sensors. With this method accurate depolarization ratios can be determined at every wavelength increment. Digitized photon counting gives good signal/noise ratios and a wide dynamic range for Raman intensity measurements. The software design permits automatic separation of isotropic and anisotropic spectra, repetitive counting periods, instant scope display of raw, reduced or integrated data, and numerous data refinement options.