Polarized Raman and IR spectra of non‐centrosymmetric PbB4O7 single crystal

Polarized Raman and IR spectra of a PbB₄O₇ single crystal were measured. The obtained spectra are discussed within the factor group approach for the orthorhombic P2₁nm(C_2v⁷) space group with Z = 2 assuming that the crystal structure is built up of the (B₄O₇)_∞²⁻ framework and Pb²⁺ ions. It has been shown that vibrations of borate and Pb²⁺ units are observed above 240 and below 160 cm⁻¹, respectively. The results obtained for the spontaneous Raman scattering have also been used in the discussion of the stimulated Raman spectra of the material studied—a new Raman‐laser crystal. The obtained results revealed that mainly translational motions of Pb²⁺ ions participate efficiently in the SRS effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.