Ultraviolet

Advantages
 With certain samples, UV laser excitation can interact in ways not possible when using visible laser sources. For
example, in semiconductor materials the penetration depth of UV light is typically in the order of a few nanometers,
and thus UV Raman can be used to selectively analyse from a thin top surface layer (as is commonly found in silicon
on insulator SOI materials). In another example, UV excitation can give rise to specific resonance enhancement with
biological moieties, particularly protein, DNA and RNA structures. Specific analysis of these materials within tissue
can be difficult using visible laser wavelengths.
 Fluorescence suppression can often be assisted using UV lasers, by spectrally separating the Raman and
fluorescence signatures. With visible lasers it is common that Raman and fluorescence are superimposed, and the
incomparable strength of the fluorescence is what can perturb (or completely mask) the Raman spectrum. With UV
excitation the Raman spectrum lies close to the laser line, whereas the fluorescence is often slightly removed to
higher wavelengths. Thus, they no longer overlap, and the fluorescence is no longer an issue.
 Increased sensitivity can result from UV excitation, since Raman scattering efficiency is proportional to λ -4, where λ is
the laser wavelength. Thus, Raman scattering at 325 nm is a factor of 14 more efficient than that at 633nm.
Disadvantages
 UV Raman still remains a more sophisticated technique which requires greater expertise to handle. Reasons for this
include the fact that the laser beam is now invisible, and that the lasers are larger, more complex, and considerably
more expensive.
 Samples are more prone to burning and degradation from the laser beam since the energy per photon is
increased. However, new techniques such as DuoScan™ optics allow the laser beam to be rapidly rastored over the
sample and thus preventing immediate burning. As an example, cellulose will burn with 325 nm excitation within a
few milliseconds, but with DuoScan™ it remains resilient to burning for more than five minutes.
 Many Raman systems designed for visible and near infra-red analysis are not suitable for UV Raman. UV Raman
requires specific mirror coatings, microscope objectives, diffraction gratings, and CCD detector for optimised
results. Modern systems such as the LabRAM HR can be configured to work efficiently from the UV through to the
infra-red without compromise, but nonetheless the additional requirements do come at a cost.
 Positive (beneficial) effects of UV
 Triggers vitamin D – UV from the Sun is needed by our bodies to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen
bones, muscles and the body’s immune system. It may also lower the risk of getting some kinds of cancers such
as colon cancer.
 Helps some skin conditions – UV is used in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is a condition
where the skin sheds its cells too quickly and develops itchy, scaly patches. Exposure to UV slows the growth of the
skin cells and relieves the symptoms.
 Helps moods – Research suggests that sunlight stimulates the pineal gland in the brain to produce
certain chemicals called ‘tryptamines’. These chemicals improve our mood.
 Helps some animals’ vision – Some animals (including birds, bees and reptiles) are able to see into the near UV
light to locate many ripe fruits, flowers and seeds that stand out more strongly from the background. The fruits,
flowers and seeds often appear quite different from how humans see them. For example, when seen in UV light,
some flowers have different line markings, which may help direct bees and birds to the nectar.
 Aids some insects’ navigation – Many insects use UV emissions from celestial objects as references for
navigating in flight. This is why a light sometimes attracts flying insects by disrupting their navigation process
Disadvantages
Causes sunburn - UV burns the skin. Sunburn is a burn that occurs when skin cells are damaged. This damage to
the skin is caused by the absorption of energy from UV rays. Extra blood flows to the damaged skin in an attempt to
repair it, which is why your skin turns red when you are sunburnt
. Causes skin cancer – UV is an environmental human carcinogen. It’s the most prominent and universal cancer-
causing agent in our environment. There is very strong evidence that each of the three main types of skin cancer
(basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) is caused by sun exposure. Research shows that
as many as 90% of skin cancers are due to UV radiation
ULTRAVIOLET WAVES
INFRARED
VISIBLE LIGHT