The Raman effect in crystals

TLDR

The review covers theoretical and experimental advances in the Raman effect in crystals over the past decade. The paper focuses on the theory of long‑wavelength lattice vibrations in cubic and uniaxial crystals accessible via Raman scattering. The authors analyze Raman scattering phenomena in non‑centrosymmetric crystals, compute angular variations using Raman tensors, review first‑ and second‑order lattice vibration spectra (including diamond and alkali halides), discuss Brillouin scattering, electronic, spin‑wave, and plasmon excitations, and explore laser‑based Raman spectroscopy and stimulated Raman scattering. They report experimental and theoretical results for Raman scattering of electronic levels, spin waves, electronic excitations across superconductive gaps, and plasmons, and highlight advances in laser‑based Raman spectroscopy and stimulated Raman scattering.

Abstract

ABSTRACT A review is given of progress in the theoretical and experimental study of the Raman effect in crystals during the past ten years. Attention is given to the theory of those properties of long-wavelength lattice vibrations in both cubic and uniaxial crystals which can be studied by Raman scattering. In particular the phenomena observed in the Raman scattering from crystals which lack a centre of inversion are related to the theory. The angular variations of the scattering by any type of lattice vibration in a crystal having any symmetry can be easily calculated using a complete tabulation of the Raman tensor. Recent measurements of first-order lattice vibration spectra are listed. A discussion of Brillouin scattering is included. The relation of second-order Raman spectra to critical points in the lattice vibration density of states is discussed, and measurements of the second-order spectra of diamond and the alkali halides are reviewed. The theory and experimental results for Raman scattering by electronic levels of ions in crystals are examined, and proposals for Raman scattering by spin waves, electronic excitations across the superconductive gap and by plasmons are collected together. Finally, the prospects for applying lasers as sources for Raman spectroscopy are discussed, and progress in the new technique of stimulated Raman scattering is reviewed.