Development of a 3D Printing-Enabled Cost-Effective Multimodal Raman Probe with High Signal-to-noise Ratio Raman Spectrum Measurements

Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a pivotal analytical instrument, valued for its nondestructive capabilities and its capacity to provide essential material-specific insights. However, the excessive costs associated with commercially available Raman instruments present a barrier to their accessibility for many academic institutions and broader usage. Herein, we introduce an affordable and accessible approach to constructing a versatile Raman instrument capable of accommodating both spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. Through this multimodal approach that concurrently captures Raman signal and image data, we demonstrate color-based alcohol detection, showcase a high signal-to-noise ratio achieved through meticulous hardware design and signal processing, and present a cost-effective, modular design utilizing 3D printing technology. This system offers adaptability to address diverse research needs and requirements. We systematically detail the fabrication process, including the utilization of a 3D printer to produce necessary components, ultimately resulting in the assembly of a functional Raman probe system. Our experiments and subsequent analyses substantiate the accuracy and reliability of the constructed system. Specifically, we conducted experiments involving three distinct samples: water, ethanol, and methanol using the Raman probe, successfully confirming their unique Raman spectra. Furthermore, our Raman probe accurately identified ethanol concentration by assessing mixed samples with varying water-to-ethanol ratios and demonstrated a coefficient of determination value of 0.9993. This underscores the performance of the constructed Raman probe and positions it as a viable option for characterization, particularly in regions where access to conventional Raman probe may be limited.