Confocal Raman microscopy is a very powerful technique to analyze complex mixtures containing a range of different components. The focused laser used during Raman analysis enables the acquisition of images with a resolution (or pixel size) of 1μm. Furthermore, the confocal properties of the microscope allow the non-destructive acquisition of spectra from beneath the surface of the sample.

A very good use of Raman microscopy is for the analysis of pharmaceutical products to determine the spatial distribution of components of interest. This is possible on both solid materials such as tablets or on ointments, gels or creams that contain multiple components. The pharmaceutical industry is very concerned with determining both the spatial distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in their products and also the size of API particles or agglomerations in solid and liquid products. A good understanding of the distribution of the API (and any changes in distribution during storage/stability studies or during the lifetime of the product with the consumer) is essential since variations may affect the effectiveness of the product substantially. Such potential changes in products are also of extreme interest to regulatory agencies.