A nondestructive tool for nanomaterials: Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Modern materials science requires efficient processing and characterization techniques for low dimensional systems. Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy are important nondestructive tools which provide much information about such systems. Commercial Raman spectrometers are expensive. We discuss a less expensive apparatus with assembled collection optics. Studies of Ge nanoparticles, porous silicon (nanowire), carbon nanotubes, and two-dimensional InGaAs quantum layers demonstrate that this apparatus is useful for teaching and research on nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]