Identification of bacteria from two-dimensional resonant-Raman spectra.

We present the first measurements of two-dimensional resonant-Raman spectra and demonstrate the applicability of the method to the identification of bacteria, including differentiation of genetically similar species. A new device that sequentially illuminates bacteria with different ultraviolet wavelengths and measures a spectrum at each was developed for this purpose. We anticipate that information within such two-dimensional spectra will allow identification of bacteria and chemicals in environments containing multiple organisms and chemicals, leading, for example, to instruments that rapidly identify bacteria in hospital and food plant settings, for screening large populations, and for biochemical-threat warning systems.