Applications of a modulated laser for FT Raman spectroscopy. Part 2. Signal-to-noise enhancement and removal of thermal backgrounds

This paper describes the benefits of using a synchronously gain switched Nd:YAG laser as an excitation source for FT Raman spectroscopy. Results show that improvements in signal-to-noise ratios of better than a factor of four are obtained when using the same average d.c. laser power compared with the normal CW experiment. This technique is simple to apply to modern FT Raman spectrometers requiring little modification to the analogue electronics.