Tutorial: Coherent Raman light matter interaction processes

Abstract

Coherent Raman scattering processes such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and stimulated Raman scattering are described in a tutorial way keeping simple physical pictures and simple derivations. The simplicity of the presentation keeps however most of the key features of these coherent and resonant processes and their intimate relation with spontaneous Raman scattering. This tutorial provides a digest of introduction to the fundamental physics at work, and it does not focus on the numerous technological implementations; rather, it provides the concepts and the physical tools to understand the extensive literature in this field. The presentation is made simple enough for under-graduate students, graduate students, and newcomers with various scientific backgrounds.