Applications of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy to studies of thin polymer films

Abstract

Raman spectroscopic studies of submicron-thick films have been accomplished through the use of integrated optical techniques. By using the film as an asymmetric slab waveguide for the laser excitation, and collecting the scattering emanating from the guided streak, we have obtained Raman spectra of organic films, polymer laminates, and molecular composites. The utility of the waveguide Raman spectroscopy technique has been limited by high levels of fluorescence when visible wavelength excitation is used. With the advent of FT-Raman spectroscopy, in which a near-infrared laser is used, Raman spectra of highly fluorescent and intensely colored materials could be easily obtained. In this study, waveguide Raman spectroscopic measurements using near-infrared excitation and a Michelson interferometer have been demonstrated. The use of a fiber optic bundle to collect the scattering and convert the image from a line to a circle has resulted in a 15-fold improvement over conventional lens collection. With the improved sensitivity, FT-Raman spectra of films containing small molecule chromophores imbedded in a polymer matrix have been obtained. In addition, extension of this method to polymers of low refractive index, by using a sublayer of very low refractive index material, such as MgF2, has been outlined. © 1990 American Chemical Society.