Raman & IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibrations & Spatial Resolution

This lecture covers the molecular origin of IR absorption and Raman scattering, explaining the interaction between photons and molecules. It delves into the IR/Raman exclusion rule, instrumental setups for Raman spectroscopy, and the principles behind Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) and Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM). The lecture also discusses the challenges of coping with fluorescence in Raman spectroscopy and the spatial resolution limitations. It concludes by highlighting the benefits of TERS and SNOM in overcoming diffraction limits and providing higher spatial resolution for chemical imaging at the nanoscale.