On the exploitation of laser raman spectroscopy for detection and identification of molecular water pollutants

Preliminary investigations of the use of Raman spectra excited by a laser beam for the molecular detection and identification of substances polluting water are reported. A trace of a portion of the Raman spectrum of distilled water containing 50 p. p. m. benzene and obtained with only 5 MW of laser output shows that it may be possible to detect polluting substances at a concentration of 5 p. p. m. or less, using a greater output. The equipment used is outlined.