Raman Optomechanical Studies on Fibres and Composites

The technique of Laser Raman Spectroscopy (LRS) applied in the study of fibres, composite interfaces is reviewed in this paper. An optical mechanical strain gauge has been developed for the determination of the internal strain in composite materials. The strain sensitive property of the high performance fibres is a vibrational frequency which may be determined by LRS. Examples are given for applications such as fibre characterisation, strain mapping in composites and examination of the strength of fibre/ matrix interfaces.