Raman must choose between using his education to move beyond the Indian hills or returning to his home to teach others.

Sir C.V. Raman was one of the rare Indians who excelled in a field which was in his time unexplored – Physics. He was recognized the world-over and bestowed the Nobel Prize for Physics. He deserved the honour that India gave him by proclaiming him as the Bharat Ratna. A true Indian at heart; he made his country proud by relentlessly pursuing a belief that he had – that light scatters and changes in wavelength when it traverses a transparent material. This phenomena earned the name of Raman scattering and the result of the Raman effect. The Raman effect led to further research in science. Raman spectroscopy was based on this phenomena and then the quantum photon spin. He carried out experiments on the diffraction of light by acoustic waves – named as the acousto-optic effect; spectroscopic behaviour of crystals; etc. His world revolved round science and he viewed the world from that perspective. Therefore; his life is an interesting one focused on Physics. The author has thrown light on this great physicist’s life successfully.

One of the first books devoted entirely to the subject of Raman microscopy, Raman Microscopy addresses issues of great interest to engineers working in Raman-microscope development and researchers concerned with areas ofapplication for this science. The book is written by several world recognized experts, who summarize the Raman effect before discussing the hardware and software involved in todays instruments. This format provides an excellent introduction to this up-and-coming discipline. All important applications, including those in materials science and earth science are covered in depth. Includes extensive description of the instrumentation, the Raman microspectrograph, the treatment of data, and micro-Raman imaging Examines the use of Raman microscopy in diverse applications, including some of the hyphenated methods Summarizes the Raman effect Discusses new uses for this technology

The name of Raman is familiar to science not only through the effect that bears his name, but also due to derivative names such as stimulated Raman scattering and Raman laser. However, other than that he won the Nobel Prize, little is generally know about the man himself. But the story is fascinating. Raman fiercely cherished his independence and rejected government support for his research. A sharp critic of many government policies, he was often misunderstood and maligned, though his commitment to science and to its growth in India never wavered. Venkataraman's account deals with all these aspects of Raman's life and work, besides placing them in a proper perspective vis-a-vis the overall Indian scene. Numerous quotations help capture the mood and excitement of those times. The book is not only a lively biography of a colorful personality, but also required reading for anyone with a serious interest in and concern for Indian science.

Praise for Introductory Raman Spectroscopy Highlights basic theory, which is treated in an introductory fashion Presents state-of-the-art instrumentation Discusses new applications of Raman spectroscopy in industry and research