Light scattering spectroscopy: studies of electronic excitations and atomic vibrations in matter

Abstract

This thesis comprises a compendium of forty-two publications on various research topics unified by a common theme s light scattering spectroscopy. The research work presented ranges from experimental studies of the dynamics of atoms in various phases of matter through to theoretical investigations of the light scattering process. The topics discussed are the dynamics of structural phase transitions in proper and improper ferroelectrics, and in antiferroelectrics, for both ordered and disordered systems; the magnetic phase transitions in ordered and disordered compounds; the electronic properties of divalent transition metal ions in pure and dilute systems; the lattice vibrations of ionic, covalent and molecular crystals; the selection rules governing higher-order light scattering processes; the weak interactions occurring between chemical species in both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents; and the use of automation techniques in light scattering spectroscopy.