3D Raman Imaging and Surface Chemical Analysis

Analyses of polymers used in adhesives and sealants can benefit from Raman microscopy, a chemical characterization technique that identifies materials using spectroscopy. It is nondestructive, label-free and can feature a confocal beam path to enable high resolution 3D image generation. It can be employed as a standalone method, or combined with complementary approaches such as atomic force microscopy and optical profilometry to enable structural characterization and measurements of uneven sample surfaces, respectively. For investigating coatings and thin films the depth resolution of Raman imaging systems is of enormous importance and its ability to use a digital pulsed force controller enables the acquisition of data regarding local stiffness and adhesion.

This webinar will provide a brief introduction to the technique, its variations, and hardware considerations relevant to achieving optimal results before presenting examples of polymer and thin films applications from various fields. The presentation will be of interest to both Raman newcomers as well as experienced spectroscopists.

Objectives:
-Be introduced to the principles of Raman spectroscopy and confocal Raman imaging
-Learn how Raman imaging can be applied in adhesive and sealant research
-Get an overview of confocal Raman imaging hardware considerations
-Learn how Raman imaging and surface analysis can reveal the homogeneity, chemical composition and structural composition of adhesives, polymers and varnishes
-See how Raman imaging can monitor materials dynamically

Stefan Gomes de Costa - WITec GmbH
Stefan Gomes da Costa studied Physics at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, where he obtained his PhD in 2019 for his work in Hyperspectral Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS)-Imaging. In 2016 Stefan started to work for WITec, a market leader in the fields of Raman microscopy and correlative Raman-AFM, Raman-SNOM and Raman-SEM (RISE) microscopy. As an Applications Scientist, and from 2020 on as a Senior Applications Scientist, Stefan carried out many imaging system installations and customer trainings, internal and external technical consultations, and was involved in publicly funded projects such as NanoGraM. In 2021 Stefan moved on to a new position within WITec and is now working as Sales Manager. Over 13 years of academic and professional experience, Stefan has built up an extensive knowledge of Raman microscopy.