Best of the Week: Raman Spectra of Glass, Digital Microfluidics, Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Welcome to the Best of the Week from Spectroscopy Magazine. Some of our top-performing articles this week include a new “Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench” column, a reflection of the life and career of C. V. Raman, and a preview of a new upcoming video series.^1–5 Let’s get into it.

First up, we're exploring glass through the lens of modern science. Columnist Fran Adar dives into how Raman spectroscopy has been used for more than 50 years to analyze glass structure and composition. From differentiating commercial glass types to guiding the development of tough materials like Gorilla Glass, Raman spectra are giving scientists new insight into these materials.¹ The article also touches on emerging applications, including vitrifying nuclear waste for safe, long-term storage.¹ It's a fascinating look at how ancient material meets analytical science.

Next, we continue our conversation with Sian Sloan-Dennison from Spring SciX 2026, where she presented a novel diagnostic platform combining SERS with digital microfluidics.² Her team's goal was to develop a new method that could conduct faster, more sensitive detection of DILI. By targeting a liver-specific biomarker called microRNA-122 and integrating a portable Raman spectrometer, the platform achieved roughly 100-fold greater sensitivity with smaller sample volumes.² This new development could potentially be useful for point-of-care diagnostics.

We also have two exciting announcements. Look out for an upcoming Q&A with Jennifer Ferguson of Renishaw, who is using Raman spectroscopy to characterize lithium-ion battery anodes.⁴ This comes at a time when the world is actively pushing toward cleaner energy storage, and we cannot wait to share with you the insights from our conversation with Ferguson next week.

And finally, Spectroscopy Magazine is launching a brand-new video series called Spectroscopy Around the Globe, hosted by me. The series will explore iconic world landmarks, including Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, through the power of light-based analysis, uncovering hidden chemistry and supporting cultural preservation.⁵

That's your Best of the Week. Stay curious, and we'll see you next time.

References

1. Adar, F. Raman Spectra of Glass: Its Structure and Contemporary Uses. Spectroscopy 2026, ASAP. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/raman-spectra-of-glass-its-structure-and-contemporary-uses (accessed 2026-05-19).
2. Sloan-Dennison, S.; Wetzel, W. The Benefit of Integrating a SERS Assay with a Digital Microfluidics Platform. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-benefit-of-integrating-a-sers-assay-with-a-digital-microfluidics-platform (accessed 2026-05-20).
3. Workman, Jr., J. When Scattered Light Changed Classical Physics: C.V. Raman and the Quantum Revolution. Spectroscopy 2026, ASAP. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/when-scattered-light-changed-classical-physics-c-v-raman-and-the-quantum-revolution (accessed 2026-05-21).
4. Wetzel, W. Using Raman Spectroscopy to Characterize Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-raman-spectroscopy-to-characterize-lithium-ion-battery-anodes (accessed 2026-05-21).
5. Wetzel, W. Spectroscopy Magazine Announces New Upcoming Video Series. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-magazine-announces-new-upcoming-video-series (accessed 2026-05-19).