Rayleigh scattering vs raman scattering

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SUMMARY

Rayleigh scattering and Raman scattering are both second-order processes, but they differ fundamentally in energy exchange. In Rayleigh scattering, the final state of the atom or molecule coincides with its initial state, resulting in elastic scattering where no energy is lost. Conversely, Raman scattering involves an inelastic process where energy is either gained or lost, leading to different final states. The discussion highlights that Rayleigh scattering predominates in phenomena like the blue sky due to its higher occurrence rate, with Raman scattering being significantly rarer, affecting only about 1 in 10 million photons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order scattering processes
  • Knowledge of elastic vs. inelastic scattering
  • Familiarity with atomic and molecular energy states
  • Basic principles of light-matter interaction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical models of Rayleigh scattering
  • Explore the principles of Raman spectroscopy
  • Study the impact of scattering on atmospheric optics
  • Investigate the applications of Raman scattering in material science
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Physicists, atmospheric scientists, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light scattering and its applications in various scientific fields.

wdlang
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both rayleigh scattering and raman scattering are second order processes

the difference is only that the final state of the atom/molecule coindices with the initial state of the atom/molecule in rayleigh scattering, while in raman scattering, the final state is different from the initial state.

since there are many final states, the strength of the raman scattering should by much larger than rayleigh scattering, is not it?

Why people contribute the blue sky to rayleigh scattering but not raman scattering?
 
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Rayleigh..here no energy is lost. Incoming light's wave length and scattered light wave length will be same. This is very good at small wavelengths..
Raman...Here energy is lost (i.e., inelastic process). Very small (1 in 10000000 photon) will suffer Raman scattering. Remaining is Rayleigh scattering. Raman effect makes the molecules to rotate/excite. Also since this is very small and so one cannot say blue color of sky is due to Raman effect.
 
Last edited:
Rajini said:
Rayleigh..here no energy is lost. Incoming light's wave length and scattered light wave length will be same. This is very good at small wavelengths..
Raman...Here energy is lost (i.e., inelastic process). Very small (1 in 10000000 photon) will suffer Raman scattering. Remaining is Rayleigh scattering. Raman effect makes the molecules to rotate/excite. Also since this is very small and so one cannot say blue color of sky is due to Raman effect.

i do not think the rate of raman scattering is slow than rayleigh scattering

they are both second order processes
 
Rayleigh it is elastic (incoming and scattered light ray will have same energy) process and Raman is Inelastic (energy may be increased or decreased!) process!..This is what i want to say..May be both effect occur at same rate! But the flux (i mean more photons) is more in Rayleigh. For Rayleigh to occur the scatters should be small than wavelength of photon..
 

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