A sealed, symmetrical, lithium optical cell, which enables optical images of lithium surface deposits and in situ Raman spectra to be obtained simply and conveniently during charge–discharge cycling of lithium metal electrodes, has been designed and tested. A conventional aprotic liquid, 1M lithium hexafluorophosphate in propylene carbonate, and an experimental ionic liquid, 20mol% lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide in 1-ethyl 3-methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide, are investigated as electrolyte solutions. Images obtained from the cell with the former electrolyte solution demonstrate the problems associated with cycling lithium metal electrodes. Images obtained with the latter electrolyte solution provide clear evidence that continued investigation of ionic liquids for use with lithium metal electrodes is warranted. Operation of the cell with the conventional electrolyte yields Raman spectra of good quality. The spectra display vibrational modes which arise from the electrolyte, as well as several additional modes which are associated with the deposits formed during cycling.