Improving and Understanding Three Dimensional Spatial Resolution in a Confocal Raman Microscopy and Raman Hyperspectral Imaging I

摘要

Confocal Raman microscopy provides a high spatial resolution because it operates in short wavelength region and utilizes confocal optics. However, the spatial resolution of a confocal Raman microscopy is not well understood, and often confused with the smallest measurable sample size. When performing Raman hyperspectral imaging with a confocal Raman microscope, it is also confused with the smallest distance a mapping stage can step. While all these parameters are pertinent to record a good Raman spectrum or a good Raman map, they are not spatial resolution, and thus have different impacts to the data and results. In this and subsequent papers, we will begin with the theoretical definition, examine the instrumental implementations and present the empirical applications of these parameters with examples.