Abstract: | The Raman spectrum of any molecule consists of two mirror-image signals, th e Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectra. In most cases, unless highly specific sampling conditions are used, the anti-Stokes signal is much weaker than that of the Stokes. The recent application of intensified diode array detectors to Raman spectroscopy has produced a marked increase in the sensitivity of the technique which makes a study of the anti-Stokes spectrum potentially more rewarding than it has been to date. The present study has shown that, although of limited use for general purposes, there are some specific instances where the anti-Stokes spectrum can be of considerable practical use. Such applications are to extend the operating range of the Raman spectrometer, to study photodegradable samples and for the analysis of samples which exhibit strong fluorescence. |