Depolarization of Raman Scattering in Calcite

Abstract

Measurements of depolarization of Raman scattering from the totally symmetric ${A}_{1g}$ vibration in calcite $\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}=1086$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) are reported. The results, obtained with highly collimated gas-laser exciting light, show no evidence of the anomalous values of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\mathrm{xy}}$ previously reported, and are fully consistent with Raman selection rules based on point symmetry. The phenomenon of apparent depolarization due to interference effects in convergent polarized light is discussed in detail.