Raman

Spectroscopy

Shubhit (21260)
So what is Raman Spectroscopy?

Raman spectroscopy a spectroscopic technique discovered by the

Indian physicist Dr. C. V. Raman.

1. It is typically used to determine vibrational modes of molecules,

although rotational and other low-frequency modes of systems
may also be observable.
2. It is commonly used in Physics and Chemistry to provide a
structural and chemical fingerprint by which molecules can be
identified.
What is Scattering and its Types?
“Scattering" refers to the process by which light interacts with matter
and changes its direction. When light interacts with molecules, some of
its energy may be transferred to the molecules, which may cause them
to vibrate or rotate. This interaction results in the scattered light which
may have different frequency or wavelength compared to the incident
light.

Types of Scattering
1. Elastic Scattering (Rayleigh scattering)
2. Inelastic Scattering (Raman Scattering)
 What is Raman Scattering??

Raman scattering is inelastic scattering, the incident photons interact with the molecules of the
material, causing them to undergo a brief change of vibrational energy. We can find information
about the vibrational and sometimes rotational modes of the molecules.
(rotation: if instrument is sensitive enough to catch rotational energy since they are typically of a lower energy than
vibrations)
Primarily there are two types of Raman scattering:
1. Stokes Scattering
2. Anti-Stokes scattering.
Stokes and Anti-Stokes Scattering !
Stokes Scattering
It involves the absorption of a
photon and transitioning to a
higher vibrational state and
emitting a photon which is at a
lower energy than absorbed
photon.
These scattering types can be explained via Maxwell-Boltzmann’s distribution.
Anti-Stokes Scattering
It involves the absorption of a
photon, transitioning to a higher
vibrational state and then
emission of a photon that is of
higher-energy than what was
absorbed.
(At high temperatures Anti-stokes are
more common to see than Stoke
Scattering)
Some Plots from Raman Spectroscopy
Some more plots from the Experiment !

Benzene

Glycerol
Mix of Ethanol and Glycerol
Ethanol
 Inference and Conclusion
Raman scattering involves photons interacting with molecules, inducing energy exchange.
When a photon strikes a molecule, it excites the molecule to a virtual (metastable) energy level
before relaxing to a final state and emitting a scattered photon with altered energy. This energy
shift, indicative of molecular vibrations, is analyzed to glean insights into molecular structure
and dynamics. Raman spectroscopy thus serves as a crucial tool for probing molecular behavior
and composition.
This energy shift is known as The Raman Shift and it is like a signature for different solutions
which is unique, showing their distinct chemical characteristics

Stokes and Anti-stokes shift, we generally observe stokes shifts have more intensity at normal
temperatures and the intensity of stokes decreases and Anti stokes increases as we increase the
temperature, it can be explained by Maxwell-Boltzmann’s Distribution.

Multiple peaks in the plot relates to the same number of distinct types of bonds in the
molecule.
Thank You!