Analysis of the signal to noise ratios and processing capacities obtainable with pulsed and continuous wave lasers as sources for Raman detection of diamonds, indicated almost equal performance with two systems of equal average power. It was found, however, that in practical use where the Raman signal has to be distinguished from a competing fluorescence signal at the same wavelength, that the use of a pulsed laser offers a decided advantage for use in diamond detection (ratio Raman to diamond fluorescence were up to 10 times higher with pulsed), due to non-linear response of the fluorescence yield with laser power.
