Measurement of Molecular Excitation Spectra by Laser Raman Effect

Measurement of Molecular Excitation Spectra
by Laser Raman Effect


ABSTRACT
The phenomenon known as the Raman effect allows us to probe the energy levels intrinsic to a given molecule, giving us knowledge about its rotational and vibrational energies. By illuminating a transparent sample, either liquid, gas, or crystal, with an intense source of light, (preferably monochromatic or at least with sufficiently well- known and distinct spectral lines), inelastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation can be measured perpendicular to the beam line to obtain a spectrum which yields information about the energy levels of the molecule being studied.

I. INTRODUCTION
In 1921, with the foundations of quantum mechanics just being laid, Prof. C. V. Raman began a series of experiments to observe the scattering of light by transparent media. Although such studies were certainly not new as scientists and laymen alike had been studying transparent scattering for centuries (most notabl...