“Stimulated Raman Scattering: Ultrafast Pulses, Molecular Control, & Precision Measurement”   will be presented by  Dr. Joshua Weber, Visiting Assistant Professor Department of Physics, Grinnell College, Grinnell IA today at 1 p.m.   Dr. Weber will discuss modulated light sources via Raman Scattering technique, usable as an interrogation method of molecules and molecular transitions (see abstract below).  

This is one of a series of talks on science and technology, through the Physics and Chemistry department.  Talks are usually given at the junior/senior level, and are meant to help us to become knowledgeable of new discoveries and emerging technologies.  

Abstract:  A Raman scattering event is an inelastic collision between a photon and a molecule.  The collision changes the photon’s color and the molecule’s energy state. When properly controlled, this scattering process is a powerful technique that can be used both to manipulate light and to characterize molecules.  In a molecular modulator, Raman scattering is used to shift the color of laser light.  Molecular modulation can be used to create a unique optical instrument for investigating and controlling processes that happen in one million-billionth of a second.  Raman scattering can also serve as a molecular probe that allows for extremely precise measurement.  This technique could be exact enough to experimentally test the limits of quantum theories.