Interaction of Light and Matter, The Raman Scattering Tensor

Abstract

Light can interact in different ways with matter. It can be absorbed and emitted, but it may also be scattered. While the processes which govern these types of interactions are quite different, yet many aspects of the former types are of importance in understanding the scattering process. Using classical theories, it can be shown that an oscillating dipole — be it an induced or a permanent one — generates electromagnetic radiation. The radiation fields of dipoles, quadrupoles or magnetic dipoles are not equal and, as an example of one of the aspects mentioned above, may illustrate the fact that the spatial distribution of Raman scattered radiation and that of an oscillating dipole, quadrupole or magnetic dipole are closely related to each other.