Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy of thin films

Conventional Raman measurements of dyes in the visible region exhibit resonant effects which enhance the Raman scattering cross-section of the chromophores by several orders of magnitude but make scattering from other parts of the molecules, such as the hydrocarbon chains, unobservable. Taking advantage of the benefits inherent to Fourier transform (FT) spectroscopy, Raman spectra can now be measured routinely with an FT IR spectrometer and a continuous wave Nd laser. By coupling the laser excitation into a thin film waveguide, we have recently observed FT Raman spectra of a thin film of polystyrene. The advantages of using integrated optics with FT Raman spectroscopy for Langmuir-Blodgett films of dye molecules are also discussed. © 1988.