Raman spectroscopy, a widely used technique for qualitative chemical analysis, has taken a significant step forward into the realm of quantitative applications thanks to a new method co-developed by Dr. George Donati of the Wadsworth Center’s Division of Environmental Health Sciences, in collaboration with research partners in Brazil.
The newly developed multi-laser-power calibration (MLPC) method introduces a breakthrough in Raman spectroscopy calibration. Unlike conventional approaches that require multiple calibration standards, MLPC-Raman relies on a single calibration solution, achieving quantification by varying the applied laser power.
This innovation provides a faster, more accurate, and environmentally sustainable approach for routine chemical analyses – particularly in agriculture, where identifying nutrient forms in fertilizers can impact both plant health and environmental safety.
Key Advantages of the MLPC-Raman Method:
- Reduced reagent use and chemical waste
- Faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods
- Capable of distinguishing specific nitrogen species (ammonium, nitrate, and urea) and phosphorus species (phosphate vs. phosphite), while traditional techniques only measure total elemental concentrations
- Highly suitable for large-scale, high-throughput applications
For full details, the publication is available in the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry
Oliveira EM, Ferreira EC, Gomes Neto JA, Donati GL, Jones BT. Multi-laser-power calibration for quantitative determination of N and P in fertilizers by Raman spectroscopy. 2025, 40, 1231-1240. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4JA00451E.