Spectroscopic imaging complementary techniques

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy provide complementary images of molecular vibrations, because in these spectroscopic techniques the mechanisms of the interaction of light quanta with molecules are quite different. 

Clearly, the briefly reviewed complementary spectroscopic techniques are important to approach these current shortcomings in a rational manner for practical purposes. For future progress significant technical refinements for, e.g. XPS and SIMS imaging, will enhance the spatial resolution and will lead to new opportunities. However, the costs for the equipment and instrumentation may limit the widespread application of these approaches compared to AFM-based techniques. 

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