A Review of the Theory and Application of Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS)

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is a relatively new kind of Raman spectroscopy which is based on a nonlinear conversion of two laser beams into a coherent, laser-like Raman beam of high intensity in the anti-Stokes region. The emission is often many orders of magnitude greater than normal Raman scattering and, because of the coherent and anti-Stokes character of radiation, the method is very useful for obtaining Raman spectra of fluorescing samples, gases in discharges, plasmas, combustion, atmospheric chemistry. In this paper we outline the basic theory behind CARS and describe its unusual effects and drawbacks. We review the research to date on various materials, and indicate the possible future direction, utility and applications of CARS such as surface studies, fluctuation phenomena, reaction dynamics, photochemistry, kinetics, relaxation, and energy transfer.