Resonance Raman spectra of β-carotene and its molecular structure in the excited electronic state

The resonance Raman spectra of β-carotene have been obtained at low temperature. The excitation profiles of ν₁ (1525 cm^?1) and 2ν₁ (3043 cm^?1) are analysed in terms of the Albrecht theory. The overlap integrals between the vibrational wavefunctions of the ground and the first excited electronic states are shown to be the most important factor in determining the resonance Raman intensities of this molecule. Information on the structure of the electronically excited state has been obtained.