The ν2 + ν4 and 2ν2 isotropic Raman bands of 12CH4

The purely isotropic Raman spectrum of the ν₁ band, the ν₂ + ν₄ band (enhanced through interaction with ν₁), and the 2ν₂ band of ¹²CH₄ was obtained with a spectral resolution of 0.30–0.35 cm^?1 from exposures with different orientations of the linearly polarized exciting light. The ν₂ + ν₄ and 2ν₂ bands show partially resolved rotational structure. The spectra are interpreted in terms of a model which takes explicitly into account vibrational and rovibrational interactions with other vibrational states, using molecular constants determined primarily from infrared spectra. The computed contours are in excellent agreement with the experimental ones and the observed and calculated peak wavenumbers agree within one tenth of the spectral resolution limit, except for a small region near the ν₁ band. The good overall agreement represents an independent check on the overall correctness of the previously reported molecular constants. A detailed discussion is given of the contributions to the intensities of individual transitions from the three transition moment matrix elements, which in an isolated-band model are the intensity parameters of the ν₁, 2ν₄, and 2ν₂ isotropic bands, respectively.