The Raman spectrum of rock-salt

Abstract

Using a non-luminescent crystal of rock-salt, a quartz spectrograph with a fine slit, and the 2536.5 A resonance radiations of mercury arc as exciter, the Raman effect in rock-salt has been studied. The spectrum exhibits nine distinct Raman lines with frequency shifts 135, 184, 202, 235, 258, 278, 314, 323 and 350 cm^-1. The frequency shifts 235 and 184 cm^-1 representing conspicuous lines in the Raman spectrum agree as nearly as could be expected with the position of the two subsidiary infra-red absorption maxima observed by Barnes & Czerny with thin films of rock-salt. The principal infra-red absorption frequency of 163 cm^-1 is inactive in the Raman effect, but its octave is represented. The nature of the Raman spectrum to be expected is deduced on the basis of a theory due to Tamm, as also on the basis of another due to Fermi, the vibration spectrum of the rocksalt lattice being taken to be that worked out by Kellermann on the basis of the Born lattice dynamics. The results are altogether of a different nature from those actually observed experimentally in the present investigation. The conclusion is thus reached that the Born lattice dynamics does not correctly picture the vibration spectrum of the rock-salt lattice. On the other hand the observed facts, both in respect of Raman effect and infra-red absorption, fit into the theoretical picture provided by the dynamics of crystal lattices recently worked out by Sir C. V. Raman.