Raman vs Brillouin scattering?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of optical fibre based sensors in smart structures, specifically focusing on two types of distributed sensors: ROTDR and BOTDR. These sensors use Raman and Brillouin scattering, respectively, to produce scattered light at different frequencies. While Raman scattered light is at a much higher frequency than Brillouin scattered light, both are measured in different ways. The conversation also mentions the atomic/molecular scale differences between the two mechanisms, but a clear explanation for this is still unknown. The conversation ends with a reference to the Wikipedia page on Brillouin scattering, which compares and contrasts it with Raman and Rayleigh scattering.
  • #1
optrix
33
0
I am researching smart structures using optical fibre based sensors. One type used is distributed sensors of which there are two main kinds: ROTDR (Raman Optical time domain reflectometer) and BOTDR (Brillouin Optical time domain reflectometer). The former is based on Raman scattering within the fiber, and the latter is based on Brillouin scattering within the fiber.

Both types of scattering are inelastic, producing scattered light of a different wavelength to the incident light, as opposed to Rayleigh scattering which is eleastic.

From what I understand Raman scattered light is scattered at different (much higher THzs) frequency than Brillouin scattered light (GHzs), and the main difference between the two types is simply the way they are measured...Raman scattering schemes measure an intensity change in the back scattered light, while Brillouin scattering schemes measure a frequency shift in the back scattered light.

If they scatter within different frequency bands, and are measured in such different ways, there must be an explanation of how the two different mechanisms are different at an atomic/molecular scale...however I cannot find a reason why.
 
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  • #2
Since this is posted at 2010, have you found the answer to this question? I still can't find how ROTDR and BOTDR mechanism really work
 
  • #3

1. What is the difference between Raman and Brillouin scattering?

Raman and Brillouin scattering are both types of light scattering phenomena, but they differ in the mechanism by which they occur. Raman scattering involves the inelastic scattering of light by a material, resulting in a shift in the wavelength of the scattered light. Brillouin scattering, on the other hand, is an elastic scattering process where there is no change in the wavelength of the scattered light.

2. Which type of scattering is more commonly used in scientific research?

Raman scattering is more commonly used in scientific research, as it provides more detailed information about the molecular structure and chemical composition of a material. Brillouin scattering is mainly used for studying the mechanical properties of materials, such as their acoustic and elastic properties.

3. How do Raman and Brillouin scattering differ in terms of their applications?

Raman scattering is widely used in fields such as chemistry, biology, and materials science for applications such as chemical identification, imaging, and surface analysis. Brillouin scattering is primarily used in the fields of materials science and engineering for applications such as studying the mechanical properties of materials, detecting changes in material phase, and measuring strain and stress in materials.

4. What are the main challenges in studying Raman and Brillouin scattering?

One of the main challenges in studying Raman and Brillouin scattering is the weak signal that is produced, which requires specialized equipment and techniques for detection. Additionally, both types of scattering are susceptible to interference from other sources of light, which can make interpretation of the data more difficult.

5. Can Raman and Brillouin scattering be used together in a single experiment?

Yes, Raman and Brillouin scattering can be used together in a single experiment to provide complementary information about a material. This is known as Raman-Brillouin spectroscopy, and it has been used in various fields such as biophysics, materials science, and geophysics to study the structural and mechanical properties of materials.

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