Measurement of the absolute Raman scattering cross sections of sulfur and the standoff Raman detection of a 6‐mm‐thick sulfur specimen at 1500 m

The absolute Raman scattering cross sections (σ_RS) for the 471, 217, and 153 cm⁻¹ modes of sulfur were measured as 6.0 ± 1.2 × 10⁻²⁷, 7.7 ± 1.6 × 10⁻²⁷, and 1.2 ± 0.24 × 10⁻²⁶ cm² at 815, 799, and 794 nm, respectively, using a 785‐nm pump laser. The corresponding values of σ_RS at 1120, 1089, and 1081 nm were determined to be 1.5 ± 0.3 × 10⁻²⁷, 1.2 ± 0.24 × 10⁻²⁷, and 1.2 ± 0.24 × 10⁻²⁷ cm² using a 1064‐nm laser. A temperature‐controlled, small‐cavity (2.125 mm diameter) blackbody source was used to calibrate the signal output of the Raman spectrometers for these measurements. Standoff Raman detection of a 6‐mm‐thick sulfur specimen located at 1500 m from the pump laser and the Raman spectrometer was made using a 1.4‐W, CW, 785‐nm pump laser. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of the structural order of all‐trans‐β‐carotene on the Raman scattering cross section at low concentrations

Using the technique of liquid‐core optical fiber (LCOF), we measured the Raman scattering cross sections (RSCSs) of the carbon–carbon (C C) stretching vibrational modes of all‐trans‐β‐carotene in carbon disulfide (CS₂) at concentrations ranging from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹¹ M . It was found that the RSCSs of all‐trans‐β‐carotene were extremely high with decreasing concentration, and the absolute RSCS of C stretching modes of all‐trans‐β‐carotene reached the value of 2.6 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² molecule⁻¹ Sr⁻¹ at 8 × 10⁻¹¹ M , which is larger than at 8 × 10⁻⁶ Mby 4 orders of magnitude. A theoretical interpretation of the anomalous experimental results is given, which introduces a qualitative nonlinear model of coherent weakly damped electron‐lattice vibrations in structural order of all‐trans‐β‐carotene. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Measurement of the third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) for the 1002‐cm–1 mode of benzenethiol using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering with continuous‐wave diode lasers

The components of the third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ⁽³⁾ for the 1002‐cm^–1 mode of neat benzenethiol have been measured using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering with continuous‐wave diode pump and Stokes lasers at 785.0 and 852.0 nm, respectively. Values of 2.8 ± 0.3 × 10^–12, 2.0 ± 0.2 × 10^–12, and 0.8 ± 0.1 × 10^–12 cm·g^–1·s² were measured for the xxxx, xxyy, and xyyx components of |3χ⁽³⁾|, respectively. We have calculated these quantities using a microscopic model, reproducing the same qualitative trend. The Raman cross‐section σ_RS for the 1002‐cm^–1 mode of neat benzenethiol has been determined to be 3.1 ± 0.6 × 10^–29 cm² per molecule. The polarization of the anti‐Stokes Raman scattering was found to be parallel to that of the pump laser, which implies negligible depolarization. The Raman linewidth (full‐width at half‐maximum) Γ was determined to be 2.4 ± 0.3 cm^–1 using normal Stokes Raman scattering. The measured values of σ_RS and Γ yield a value of 2.1 ± 0.4 × 10^–12 cm·g^–1·s² for the resonant component of 3χ⁽³⁾. A value of 1.9 ± 0.9 × 10^–12 cm·g^–1·s² has been deduced for the nonresonant component of 3χ⁽³⁾. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Raman scattering cross section and density measurements of UF6

We have applied laser Raman scattering to the measurement of the density of UF₆ vapor. A linear relation between scattering intensity and density is shown. We have also measured the absolute Raman scattering cross section of the 665 cm^?1 line of UF₆ by the substitution technique and obtained a value of 1.02±0.09×10^?29 cm²/sterad at 488 nm. Measurements of the line position and the depolarization ratio of this line are also reported.     

Chemical aerosol detection and identification using Raman scattering

Early warning of the presence of chemical agent aerosols is an important component in the defense against such agents. A Raman spectrometer has been constructed for the purpose of detecting and identifying chemical aerosols. We report the detection and identification of a low‐concentration chemical aerosol in atmospheric air using 532‐nm continuous wave laser Raman scattering. We have demonstrated the Raman scattering detection and identification of an aerosol of isovanillin of mass concentration of 1.8 ng/cm³ with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of about 19 in 30 s for the 1116‐cm⁻¹ mode with a Raman cross section of 3.3 × 10⁻²⁸ cm² using 8‐W double‐pass laser power. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Differential Raman cross section of dimethyl sulfide

Biogenic sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) are important contributors to the global carbon cycle. The differential Raman cross section of DMS relative to the nitrogen fundamental, σ_DMS, has been measured at several excitation wavelengths in order to assess the applicability of Raman spectroscopy for the direct quantitative measurement of this compound. At 488 nm, σ_DMS for the ν₆ carbon–sulfur stretching mode was found to be 4.9 ± 1.6, while for the ν₂ carbon–hydrogen stretching mode it was 2.8 ± 0.9. Using, KrF laser excitation, values for σ_DMS could be measured simultaneously at two excitation wavelengths, 248.32 and 248.69 nm. The average values of σ_DMS for 248‐nm excitation based on measurements at these two excitation wavelengths were 3.5 ± 1.4 for the carbon–sulfur stretching mode and 4.6 ± 0.6 for the carbon–hydrogen stretching mode. The results indicate that no significant resonance enhancement of σ_DMS for either mode occurs, although they show some slight enhancement of the cross section for the ν₂ band (C H stretching mode). It was concluded that the measured values of σ_DMS are high enough to allow the quantitative detection of DMS at the millimolar level. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Raman scattering cross section and density measurements of UF6

We have applied laser Raman scattering to the measurement of the density of UF₆ vapor. A linear relation between scattering intensity and density is shown. We have also measured the absolute Raman scattering cross section of the 665 cm⁻¹ line of UF₆ by the substitution technique and obtained a value of 1.02±0.09×10⁻²⁹ cm²/sterad at 488 nm. Measurements of the line position and the depolarization ratio of this line are also reported. Work supported by the U. S. Energy Research and Development Administration.     

Spontaneous Raman scattering in atomic thallium vapor

Using a cw argon-ion laser, we have measured the spontaneous Raman scattering cross section, σ_R, and linewidth in atomic thallium vapor. For 4880-Å excitation, σ_R = 1.6 × 10^?27 cm². We observe no pressure broadening of the Raman line at vapor pressures to 100 torr.     

Cross‐section and selection rules in surface‐enhanced hyper Raman scattering

The expression for the surface‐enhanced hyper Raman scattering (SEHRS) cross‐section of symmetrical molecules within the framework of the dipole–quadrupole theory is presented. It is formed by contributions that depend on various dipole and quadrupole moments. The enhancement coefficients for the quadrupole enhancement mechanism in some limited cases can reach a value 10³⁰. It is demonstrated that the contributions follow some selection rules. Qualitative classification of the contributions based on the enhancement degree is given. It is demonstrated that the SEHR spectra of pyrazine and pyridine can be explained by the presented theory. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photodissociation effects on pulsed laser deposited silver oxide thin films: surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering

Temporal Raman scattering measurements with 488, 532 and 632 nm excitation wavelengths and normal Raman studies by varying the power (from 30 W/cm² to 2 MW/cm²) at 488 nm were performed on silver oxide thin films prepared by pulsed‐laser deposition. Initially, silver oxide Raman spectra were observed with all three excitation wavelengths. With further increase in time and power, silver oxide photodissociated into silver nanostructures. High‐intensity spectral lines were observed at 1336 ± 25 and 1596 ± 10 cm⁻¹ with 488 nm excitation. No spectral features were observed with 633 nm excitation. Surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering theory is used to explain the complex behavior in the intensity of the 1336/1596 cm⁻¹ lines with varying power of 488 nm excitation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New measurement of the elastic scattering cross section of μd muonic atoms off deuterons

We have measured the elastic scattering cross section for the process μd + d → μd + d in ultrapure gaseous deuterium at 14 atm and at room temperature. The results is σ_dd = (8 ± 2) × 10^?20 cm².     

Study of Raman spectrum of uranium using a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering technique

Raman spectroscopic investigation on weak scatterers such as metals is a challenging scientific problem. Technologically important actinide metals such as uranium and plutonium have not been investigated using Raman spectroscopy possibly due to poor signal intensities. We report the first Raman spectrum of uranium metal using a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐like geometry where a thin gold overlayer is deposited on uranium. Raman spectra are detected from the pits and scratches on the sample and not from the smooth polished surface. The 514.5‐ and 785‐nm laser excitations resulted in the Raman spectra of uranium metal whereas 325‐nm excitation did not give rise to such spectra. Temperature dependence of the B_3g mode at 126 cm⁻¹ is also investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DFT study and quantitative detection by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of ethyl carbamate

Ethyl carbamate (EC), a potentially toxic compound, is found in alcoholic beverages and fermented foodstuff. A combined experimental and theoretical study of Raman on EC is reported in this work for the first time. The Raman bands observed for EC in solid phase are characteristic for the carbonyl group, C―C, C―H and N―H stretching and deformation vibrations. These spectral features coupled with a pKa study allowed establishing the neutral species of EC present in the aqueous solutions experimentally tested at different concentrations. In addition, by performing a density functional theory study in the gas phase, the calculated geometry, the harmonic vibrational modes, and the Raman scattering activities of EC were found to be in good agreement with our experimental data and helped establish the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behavior and EC adsorption geometry on the silver surfaces. The Raman peak at 1006 cm⁻¹, assigned to the υ_s(CC) + ω(CH) modes, the strongest and best reproducible peak in the SERS spectra, was used for a quantitative evaluation of EC. The limit of detection, which corresponds to a signal‐to‐noise ratio equal to 3, was found to be 2 × 10⁻⁷ M (17.8 µg l⁻¹). SERS spectra obtained by using hydroxylamine hydrochloride‐reduced silver nanoparticles provide a fast and reproducible qualitative and quantitative determination of EC in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The structural independence of Raman scattering cross sections of ν1(NO3−) and ν(H2O)

The Raman scattering cross section (RSCS) is an important parameter in the applications of Raman spectroscopy to make quantitative analysis. To date, the dependence of the RSCS on concentration has remained unclear. Nitrate aerosols can easily achieve a supersaturated state, which provides a way to obtain the RSCS especially under this state. In this study, Raman spectra of NaNO₃ and Mg(NO₃)₂ solutions are obtained with molar water‐to‐solute ratios (WSRs) ranging from 84.2 to 2.30 and 93.8 to 7.32, respectively. With decreasing WSR, a shift to higher wavenumbers of the symmetric stretching band of nitrate ion, i.e. ν₁(NO₃⁻), is observed, indicating the formation of various ion pairs. Meanwhile, the area ratio between the strongly and weakly hydrogen‐bonded components of water O H stretching envelope, i.e. ν(H₂O), reduces as the WSR decreases, implying the transformation of water molecules from strong hydrogen‐bonding structures to the weak ones. However, a good linear relationship is revealed between the integrated intensity ratio of the ν(H₂O) band to ν₁(NO₃⁻) band and WSR. The results suggest that the RSCSs of NO₃⁻ and H₂O are insensitive to the structures of both ion pairs and hydrogen‐bonding structures. This observation points to the possibility of conducting quantitative analysis through the area ratio of the ν(H₂O) band to the ν₁(NO₃⁻) band with Raman spectra without considering the formation of ion pairs and the variation of the hydrogen‐bonding structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

分子间费米共振增强二元溶液体系的受激拉曼散射研究

研究了液芯光纤内不同体积比的甲苯和间二甲苯二元混合溶液的受激拉曼散射.实验结果表明:在不同的体积比之下二元溶液的环呼吸振动模式1002 cm^-1,甲基的CH伸缩振动模式2920 cm^-1 以及芳香环CH对称伸缩振动模式3058 cm^-1的拉曼带同时产生受激拉曼辐射,并且2920 cm^-1 和 3058 cm^-1 拉曼带的一阶受激拉曼散射阈值要低于1002 cm^-1拉曼带的二阶 关键词： 分子间费米共振 二元溶液 受激拉曼散射 拉曼散射截面     

Multiphonon resonant Raman scattering in N‐doped ZnO

Multiphonon resonant Raman scattering in N‐doped ZnO films was studied, and an enhancement of the resonant Raman scattering process as well as longitudinal optical (LO) phonon overtones up to the sixth order were observed at room temperature. The resonant Raman scattering intensity of the 1LO phonon in N‐doped ZnO appears three times as strong as that of undoped ZnO, which mainly arises from the defect‐induced Raman scattering caused by N‐doping. The nature of the 1LO phonon at 578 cm⁻¹ is interpreted as a quasimode with mixed A₁ and E₁ symmetry because of the defects formed in the ZnO lattice. In addition, the previously neglected impurity‐induced two‐LO‐phonon scattering process was clearly observed in N‐doped ZnO. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the resonance Raman spectra of polyaniline obtained with near‐IR excitation

The effects of near‐IR (NIR) laser power over the Raman spectra of poly(aniline) emeraldine salt (PANI‐ES) and base (PANI‐EB) were investigated. The reasons for the existence of several bands from 1324 to 1500 cm⁻¹ in the Raman spectra of poly(aniline) obtained at NIR region were also studied. The bands from 1324 to 1375 cm⁻¹ were associated to νC N of polarons with different conjugation lengths and the bands from 1450 to 1500 cm⁻¹ in Raman spectra of PANI emeraldine and pernigraniline base forms were correlated to νCN modes associated with quinoid units having different conjugation lengths. The increase of laser power at 1064.0 nm causes the deprotonation of PANI‐ES and the formation of cross‐linking segments having phenazine and/or oxazine rings. For PANI‐EB only a small spectral change is observed when the laser power is increased, owing to the low absorption of this form in the NIR region. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The d(7Li,p)8Li cross section near E cm = 0.61 MeV

The absolute cross section σ of the d(⁷Li, p)⁸Li reaction near the E_cm = 0.61 MeV resonance has been measured using a ⁷Li ion beam and a windowless gas target system filled with D₂ gas. The proton yield of the reaction and the β-delayed α-activity of the residual nuclides ⁸Li were observed both concurrently with the elastic scattering yield, relating σ to the Rutherford scattering cross section σ_R. The resulting values, σ (from p) = 143.6 ± 8.9 mb and σ (from ⁸Li) = 151 ± 20 mb, lead to a weighted mean value of σ = 153 ± 6 mb (χ² = 2.26) including all available values and σ = 146 ± 5 mb (χ² = 0.05) removing some values from the data set. The consequences for the expected flux of high-energy solar neutrinos are discussed.     

Single‐molecule surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of fullerene C60

We achieved single‐molecule surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SM‐SERS) spectra from ultralow concentrations (10⁻¹⁵ M) of fullerene C₆₀ on uniformly assembled Au nanoparticles. It was found that resonant excitation at 785 nm is a powerful tool to probe SM‐SERS in this system. The appearance of additional bands and splitting of some vibrational modes were observed because of the symmetry reduction of the adsorbed molecule and a relaxation in the surface selection rules. Time‐evolved spectral fluctuation and ‘hot spot’ dependence in the SM‐SERS spectra were demonstrated to result from the single‐molecule Raman behavior of the spherical C₆₀ on Au nanoparticles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microstructured polymer‐based substrates with broadband absorption for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

Large area (3 × 3 cm²) substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering were fabricated by combining femtosecond laser microstructuring and soft lithography techniques. The fabrication procedure is as follows: (i) femtosecond laser machining is used to create a silicon master copy, (ii) replicates from polydimethylsiloxane are made, and (iii) a 50‐nm‐thick gold film is deposited on the surface of the replicates. The resulting substrates exhibit strongly enhanced absorption in the spectral region of 350 ∼ 1000 nm and generate enhanced Raman signal with enhancement factor of the order of 10⁷ for 10^{‐ 6} M rhodamine 6G. The main advantages of our substrates are low cost, large active area, and possibility for mass replication. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.