On May 9, 2018, the Analysis and Measurement Center of Tianjin University signed a strategic cooperative agreement with the Renishaw Company and jointly established an Application and Development Laboratory for Laser Raman Spectroscopy. The joint laboratory aims to advance the construction of Emerging Engineering as a new discipline, as well as explore and develop in-situ Raman Spectroscopy technology.

Raman Spectroscopy has developed rapidly in recent years. With its non-destructive technology, wide applicability, suitability in water-containing systems and in combination with other efficient characterization techniques, Raman Spectroscopy has broad prospects for coupling techniques (e.g. Raman-SEM, Raman-Thin Layer Chromatography, Raman-infrared). It has become a common trend in the testing field around the world. Raman Spectroscopy has infiltrated many industries, and new concepts are emerging, which significantly influence the development and utilization of analysis and testing technology. In addition, the study prospect of applications for Raman spectroscopy-atomic force combined systems is very promising. For example, TERS is a hot spot of research.

Founded in 1983, the Analysis and Measurement Center of Tianjin University is an important analysis and measurement platform both for Tianjin University and surrounding organizations. As a pioneer in international Raman Spectroscopy, Renishaw is one of the leading teams specializing in the promotion of Raman Spectroscopy and its coupling technology. With professional technology and marketing knowhow, Renishaw is committed as a leader in development trends using Raman technology.

With the excellent platform of the Analysis and Measurement Center of Tianjin University and the advanced testing equipment of Renishaw, the Application and Development Laboratory for Laser Raman Spectroscopy will accelerate basic theoretical research and application development of Raman Spectroscopy and its coupling technology, thus promoting the development of Raman Spectroscopy and in-situ measurement in China. It’s hoped that key applications for Raman Spectroscopy can be found and then broad technical innovation can be achieved with the joint efforts of both sides. 

Cui Lan, Director of the Analysis and Measurement Center, said, “The Center’s testing level and applied subjects ability have distinctive features and the Center is a cross-discipline and comprehensive application platform with subject practicability. We will cooperate with enterprises with our platform to develop new technology and provide better support for scientific research at Tianjin University and other universities in Tianjin. We will strive for a win-win result.”

As for the original intention for this Joint Laboratory, Cui said, “Raman Spectroscopy and its coupling technology are currently hot spots for research. The technology can be closely integrated with the scientific research of our center to achieve efficient measurement and analysis. The Joint Laboratory allows more researchers to be aware of Raman Spectroscopy and it promotes the development of rapid testing. With more research, especially data research of specific samples on large scientific research platforms, the software and hardware design of Raman Spectroscopy can be improved. It will further promote the common development of scientific research platforms and companies focusing on product development."

Wang Zheng, General Manager of the Raman Department of the Renishaw Company in China, is full of confidence in the development of the joint laboratory and is willing to provide technical support for the "Emerging Engineering" strategy of Tianjin University.

Zou Qiang, Vice Dean of the Xuanhuai School at Tianjin University, said that he hoped to join hands with the joint laboratory to promote cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship of Tianjin University.

A Raman technology symposium was held after the signing ceremony. Over one hundred representatives attended the symposium. They were from Tianjin University, Nankai University, the Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin Customs District, the Tianjin Geological Mineral Testing Center, Ningxia Museum, the China Institute of Atomic Energy and other institutions. Prof. Qiu Wei from Tianjin University, Researcher Liu Dingbin and Associate Prof. Ma Yanfeng from Nankai University and Dr. Wang Zhifang from Renishaw delivered speeches on Raman Spectroscopy and its applications. The representatives had in-depth discussions with the experts.