ABSTRACT
Raman spectroscopy is based on inelastically scattered light from samples that are illuminated by monochromatic radiation. The Raman spectra contain information on vibrations that provide a sensitive fingerprint of the biochemical composition and molecular structure of samples. The main advantages are that this information can be obtained without additional labels and in a nondestructive way. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) offers as a further advantage a signal enhancement of several order of magnitude. Combining with microscopy enables diffraction-limited submicrometer resolution. These properties make Raman microscopic spectroscopy a versatile method to study biological tissues and cells. The contribution summarizes experimental techniques and gives an overview of recent applications in medical science.
