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We demonstrate experimentally, for the first time, the feasibility of passively enhancing fluorescence and Raman signals from diffusely scattering media in a conventional backscattering collection geometry. The method employs transmission of the collimated excitation laser beam through a "unidirectional" dielectric mirror placed directly in front of the sample. This permits laser light that escapes from the sample surface to be reflected back into the sample where it can be more usefully employed in generating Raman and fluorescence signals. This leads to improved Raman signal, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and shorter acquisition times. Feasibility studies performed on standard pharmaceutical tablets and on sheets of Teflon, using a single enhancing element, demonstrate signal enhancement factors of 6 (fluorescence) and 3 (Raman). Potential applications of this simple device include improving quality control of pharmaceutical products, disease diagnosis of biological tissue, forensics, and security screening.

Original publication

DOI

10.1021/ac800700w

Type

Journal

Analytical chemistry

Publication Date

08/2008

Volume

80

Pages

6006 - 6009

Addresses

Central Laser Facility, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX, United Kingdom.

Keywords

Acetaminophen, Tablets, Spectrometry, Fluorescence, Spectrum Analysis, Raman, Equipment Design, Biotechnology, Scattering, Radiation