Some Features of Raman Scattering by Molecules Adsorbed on Metal Crystal Faces and a Fine Light Structure

TL;DR

This paper investigates Raman scattering on silver crystal faces, revealing a surface field caused by atomic structure and highlighting the impact of electromagnetic field inhomogeneity, termed fine light structure, on optical properties.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of fine light structure as a significant factor affecting optical properties in crystals, based on experimental analysis of Raman scattering.

Findings

Existence of forbidden benzene line indicates surface field presence.

Large intensity of the forbidden line suggests strong electromagnetic inhomogeneity.

Surface atomic structure influences optical properties through fine light structure.

Abstract

The paper analyzes some experiments on Raman scattering by molecules adsorbed on the face (111) of silver monocrystals performed by A. Campion et al. From the existence of the forbidden line of benzene, the conclusion about existence of the surface field, caused by atomic structure of the surface is made. The relatively large intensity of this line allows to make a conclusion about large influence of the electromagnetic field spatial inhomogeneity in crystals on their optical properties. The difference between this field and a regular plane wave, which usually describes propagation of electromagnetic field in solids is named as a fine light structure. The influence of this structure on optical properties of solids is pointed out.