Raman, Resonance Raman and Electronic Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

The theory and practice of Raman, resonance Raman, and electronic Raman spectroscopy are outlined. Resonance Raman spectra are usually characterized by the development of intense overtone and combination tone progressions (A-term Scattering). This form of spectroscopy yields detailed information regarding the resonant excited state since only vibrational modes associated with the chromophore are resonance enhanced. Examples are given of the application of resonance Raman spectroscopy to the detection of species at very low concentrations, and of matrix-isolated species, and to the qualitative and quantitative calculation of excited state geometries. The importance of the technique in understanding the nature of mixed-valence linear-chain complexes is also outlined, together with a brief account of electronic Raman spectroscopy.