Analyses of biomaterial by ‘classical’ Raman spectroscopy with excitation in the visible range has not been possible since the fluorescence of many essential constituents of all animal and plant cells and tissues overlays the Raman spectra completely. Fluorescence, however, is virtually avoided, when Raman spectra are excited with the Nd:YAG laser line at 1064nm. Within seven dissertations we explored different fields of potential applications to medical diagnostics. Identification and qualification of tissues and cells is possible. Tumors show small but significant differences to normal tissues; in order to develop a reliable tool for tumor diagnostics more research is necessary, especially a collection of reference spectra in a data bank is needed. Raman spectra of biomineralization structures in teeth and bones show pathological tissues as well as the development of new mineralized structures. NIR Raman spectra of flowers, leaves, and fruit show, without special preparation, their constituents: alkaloids, the essential oils, natural dyes, flavors, spices and drugs. They allow application to taxonomy, optimizing plant breeding and control of food.

Raman spectroscopy may aid the development of new tools to make medical diagnostics more objective. By shifting the exciting radiation of Raman spectrometers from the visible to the NIR region, the competing fluorescence of normal cell components can be reduced. The fluorescence of organic molecules is virtually eliminated when excitation by the Nd: YAG laser radiation at 1064 nm is employed. In combination with optimized interferometers and remote probes, it is now possible to record Raman spectra in vivo in acceptable times. Software programs are developed which interpret the spectra to help in the identification of suspicious tissues and micro-organisms, and for establishing medical diagnosis. In each case, the information distributed over the whole spectrum has to be evaluated.