Dispersion of the molecular optical anisotropy by Depolarized Rayleigh Scattering and birefringence induced by high energy laser waves

Abstract The wavelength dependence of the molecular optical anisotropy is discussed from quantum theoretical treatment and semiempiric formulations. Depolaiized Rayleigh Scattering (DRS) and birefringence induced by laser waves (BI), two optical effects giving direct information about optical anisotropy, have been investigated by the use of laser waves and their harmonics. CW gas laser (1–80 MW), as well as powerful Qswitched waves (1–30 MW) have been used. Results are reported in the wavelength range: 347.1 nm (second harmonic of the Cr 3+ /ruby laser)−1060 nm first harmonic of the Nd 3+ /glass laser). DRS and BI results show very little dispersion of the optical anisotropy of n-alkanes, in good agreement with their far-uv absorption spectra, but a larger one for carbon disulfide and aromatic compounds such as benzene and pyridine.