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Raman scattering by pure water and seawater
J S Bartlett1, K J Voss, S Sathyendranath
1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Applied Optics
|February 15, 2008
Summary
Raman scattering coefficients for pure water and seawater were measured. Both showed a strong wavelength dependence, with no significant difference between pure water and seawater Raman scattering.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Spectroscopy
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Raman scattering is a fundamental molecular spectroscopy technique.
- Understanding the spectral properties of water is crucial for various scientific applications.
- Previous studies have provided data on Raman scattering in water, but further characterization is valuable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the magnitude and spectral distribution of Raman-scattering coefficients for pure water and seawater.
- To investigate the wavelength dependence of Raman scattering in water.
- To compare the Raman scattering properties of pure water and seawater.
Main Methods:
- Spectroscopic measurements of Raman-scattering coefficients (b(rw) and b(rs)) were performed.
- Incident wavelengths ranged from 250 to 500 nm.
- Data were analyzed for both photon and energy normalization.
Main Results:
- A strong wavelength dependence was observed for the Raman-scattering coefficient of pure water, following power-law relationships with incident and scattered wavelengths.
- These relationships align with resonance Raman theory.
- The absolute Raman-scattering coefficient for pure water at 488 nm was measured and found consistent with prior reports.
- No statistically significant difference was found between the Raman-scattering coefficients of pure water and seawater.
Conclusions:
- The spectral distribution of Raman scattering in water is strongly dependent on wavelength.
- Seawater exhibits similar Raman scattering properties to pure water under the studied conditions.
- The findings support resonance Raman theory and provide precise data for optical modeling.
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