High-Throughput, High-Resolution Echelle Deep-UV Raman Spectrometer

We constructed an ultrahigh-throughput, high-resolution ultraviolet (UV) Raman spectrograph that utilizes a high-efficiency filter-stage monochromator and a high-dispersion Echelle spectrograph. The spectrograph utilizes a total of six mirrors and two gratings, with an overall efficiency at 229 nm of ∼18%. The limiting resolution of our spectrometer is 0.6 cm−1 full width half-maximum (FWHM), as measured for 229 nm Rayleigh scattering. Use of a 1 mm–wide entrance slit gives rise to an approximately 10 cm−1 FWHM resolution at 229 nm. The ultrahigh spectrograph throughput enables ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratio, deep UV Raman spectra that allow us to monitor