Kerr gated resonance Raman spectroscopy in light fastness studies of ink jet prints

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with a Kerr gate fluorescence rejection system to gain information on the light fastness of ink jet prints. This was studied using a set of experimental coatings and inks with known compositions. The results indicate that Kerr gated resonance Raman spectroscopy is applicable to the light fastness studies of ink jet prints owing to the effective suppression of the sample-related fluorescence. Moreover, detailed molecular information can be obtained by tuning the laser to get selective resonance enhancement. This enables specific analyses of chemical paper-ink interactions, which generally contribute decisively to the light fastness of ink jet prints.