Unveiling Secrets of Quantum Materials and Devices Using Raman Imaging: A Technique Combining Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy, since its discovery almost a century ago, has been one of the most widely used techniques, mainly due to continuous advancements in its instrumentation and variants. Apart from its “spectroscopy” aspect, Raman mapping/imaging has emerged as a powerful and noninvasive technique for spatially resolved analysis of structural, electronic, and vibrational properties across a wide range of materials, including nanomaterials and device-relevant systems. This Perspective highlights applications such as mapping anharmonic vibrational dynamics in carbon nanotubes through temperature-dependent Raman line-shape changes, along with magneto-Raman imaging of defect evolution and field-dependent phonon behavior in MoS2, polarization-resolved crystal orientation mapping in anisotropic materials, strain visualization in MXenes via Raman mode shifts, and phonon confinement and Fano resonance in inhomogeneous silicon nanowires. Recent relevance to quantum and modern device architectures is also briefly discussed. At the same time, key limitations such as diffraction-limited spatial resolution, weak signal strength, fluorescence interference, and possible laser-induced heating effects (including potential cell or tissue damage in biological samples) are addressed. Overall, Raman imaging offers combined spatial and spectral insight beyond conventional techniques, making it a promising tool for applications in optoelectronics, photonics, and emerging quantum technologies. © 2026 American Chemical Society