Microprobe accessory for laser raman spectrometers

A Raman micro-focusing accessory has been designed for use with conventional laser Raman spectrometers and offers the advantage of allowing standard macro-Raman experiments to be done without removing the micro-focusing optics. Samples may be analysed with a spatial resolution adjustable to a limit of 1 μm. The viewing magnification can be varied without affecting the size of the laser focal spot. A thermocouple can be attached to the sample holder which may be flushed with cooled N₂ gas for increased sample stability. The usefulness of the Raman microprobe for the analysis of solid and fluid inclusions in geological samples is also demonstrated.