Abstract: sCMOS imaging devices, known for low noise, high frame rates, wide dynamic range, and high quantum efficiency, are increasingly used in spectrometers for high-speed and high-sensitivity applications. Fluctuations in their quantum efficiency can cause variations in spectral curves, leading to spurious peaks, altered peak shapes, or shifts, significantly affecting Raman spectroscopy. This study examines four quantum efficiency compensation methods, focusing on spectrum traceability, smoothness, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) changes. Recommendations for each method’s applicability are provided. Key findings include: (1) For smoothness, blackbody radiation compensation is best, followed by lower envelope, median, and upper envelope compensation; (2) Compensation effectiveness decreases with longer exposure times; (3) For SNR, the order is the same as for smoothness; (4) Blackbody radiation compensation effectively eliminates false peaks in Raman detection of crystalline silicon samples. This research improves spectral accuracy in sCMOS-based spectrometers, enhancing chemical analysis and biomedical research.

Keywords: Quantum efficiency compensation, sCMOS-based Raman spectrometer, Spurious peaks, Peak positions shift

Xing J, Zheng Z, Ma Y, Shen S, Zhang R, Shao P, Liu P, Zhang Y, Wu M, Yao P, Xu RX. Quantum efficiency compensation for scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor in Raman spectrometer. Measurement. 2026;258:119036. doi:10.1016/j.measurement.2025.119036