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Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy For Process Control In The Petroleum Industry, Kent Lawson Wise

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

As early as 1950, Raman spectroscopy was proposed as a method to determine aromatics and olefins in hydrocarbon mixtures. Until recently, extensive use of Raman spectroscopy in the characterization of hydrocarbons has not been practical due to several limitations. One early limitation to Raman analysis was the absence of a high intensity and stable excitation source. This problem has been overcome with the advent of lasers. Another limitation was the presence of fluorescence in hydrocarbon fuels when excited by visible lasers. However, the development of Fourier-transform Raman spectrometers now allows Raman spectra to be collected using near-IR lasers (e.g …