Abstract

An attempt was made to prove the identity of the set of equations describing the Raman phenomenon with the set describing four-wave mixing. The result is a classic proof by contradiction: for the two phenomena to be the same, 1 would have to equal 3/2, 1 would have to equal 5/2. The Raman phenomenon is described by Hertzberg as the vibronic coupling of monochromatic light with the quantized vibrational states of a molecule, producing sidebands from integral quanta. This process is considered one of the initial proofs of quantum mechanics. Four-wave mixing is the optical application of a radar model: two signals of frequency f₁ and f₂ are transmitted through a radar amplifier withfour (or more) waves emitted, of the form f₁, f₂, jf₁, + kf₂, and jf₁−kf₂. When the Raman equations are equated with the CARS, HORSES, SCIS-SORS…equations² where j = 1,2,3 … and f₂ is greater than f₁, the result is inconsistent with logic. Thus, one is led to the conclusion that the Raman effect and the collection of acronyms do not describe the same effect. It is recommended that the Optical Society of America take the editorial position that submissions which label their topic contrary to the proposed definitions be returned to the author for revision.

© 1985 Optical Society of America