Raman scattering

Raman scattering occurs when light interacts with molecules and causes a tiny change in the light's energy. When photons hit a molecule, most scatter away unchanged, but a small fraction transfer some energy to or from the molecule's vibrations. This results in the scattered light having slightly different wavelengths—either shifted to higher or lower energy. By analyzing these shifts, scientists can identify the type of molecules and gain insights into their structure. Raman scattering is a useful tool in chemistry, material science, and biology for non-invasive molecular characterization.