C. V. Raman
Indian physicist who discovered the Raman effect.
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1888–1970) was an Indian physicist who won the 1930 Nobel Prize for Physics for the discovery of Raman scattering (also known as the Raman effect), a phenomenon of inelastic photon scattering. His work is the basis for Raman spectroscopy and Raman amplification, used in optical fibres.
- born
- 1888
- died
- 1970
- field
- Physics
- nationality
- Indian
- known_for
- Discovery of the Raman effect (Raman scattering)
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Lore & Background
C. V. Raman was born in 1888 and died in 1970. He is known for the discovery of Raman scattering (AKA Raman effect), inelastic photon scattering, for which he was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize for Physics. Raman scattering is the basis for Raman spectroscopy and Raman amplification, used in optical fibres. For other articles connected with C. V. Raman and with Raman scattering and spectroscopy, see the article on C. V. Raman.
Reader's Guide
Raman's key achievement is the discovery of the Raman effect, a type of inelastic photon scattering. This discovery earned him the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics. The effect is the foundation of Raman spectroscopy and Raman amplification, both used in optical fibres. His work remains central to the study of light-matter interactions.
Did You Know?
- C. V. Raman won the 1930 Nobel Prize for Physics for discovering Raman scattering.
- Raman scattering is also known as the Raman effect.
- Raman spectroscopy is a technique that relies on Raman scattering.
- Raman amplification is used in optical fibres.
- The source lists C. V. Raman's full name as Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is C. V. Raman?
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist born on 7 November 1888 who made groundbreaking contributions to the study of light scattering. He is best remembered for identifying a phenomenon that bears his name and for becoming a landmark figure in twentieth-century science.
What is the Raman effect?
The Raman effect describes how light changes its wavelength when it passes through and scatters off a transparent substance. Raman identified this deflection behavior, and it later became a foundational tool in spectroscopy and materials analysis.
What Nobel Prize did C. V. Raman receive?
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the Raman effect. This made him the first person from Asia and the first non-White scientist to claim a Nobel in the physical sciences.
Why is C. V. Raman considered so important in the history of science?
Beyond the Raman effect itself, his achievement broke a major barrier by being the first Asian recipient of a Nobel Prize in Physics. His work also opened up an entire field of spectroscopic research that scientists still rely on today.
When did C. V. Raman live?
Raman was born on 7 November 1888 in India and passed away on 21 November 1970. His life spanned over eight decades of significant scientific and cultural development in the Indian subcontinent.
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