What are the applications of Raman spectroscopy in process monitoring?

Raman spectroscopy measures molecular vibrations through inelastic light scattering, providing complementary information to IR. Process applications: polymerization monitoring (monomer conversion, molecular weight), pharmaceutical (API crystallinity, polymorphism), petrochemical (composition, blend ratio), and biotechnology (glucose, metabolites). Advantages: non-contact through windows/containers, minimal sample preparation, water does not interfere (unlike IR), and fiber optic probes for process installation. Considerations: fluorescence interference, weak signal requiring high-power lasers, and spectral interpretation expertise. Increasingly used for PAT (Process Analytical Technology) in pharma manufacturing.