Raman spectroscopy is a technique that uses laser light to identify the chemical structure of materials. It has various applications in areas like pharmaceuticals, materials science, gemology, and forensics. The document outlines the principle of Raman spectroscopy, describes Raman instrumentation, discusses its strengths and limitations, and provides examples of its applications. It also discusses challenges like weak signals and spatial resolution that new techniques like surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy are helping to address, broadening Raman spectroscopy's potential.