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Discovery of the Raman Effect
Discovery of the Raman Effect forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
Stories of achievement, courage and contribution
His experiments on the scattering of light transformed spectroscopy and established a discovery that remains fundamental across physics, chemistry, materials science and medicine.
A pioneering physicist, Sir C.V. Raman revolutionized our understanding of light with his Nobel-winning Raman Effect, illuminating India's scientific prowess on the global stage and inspiring generations.
Raman grew up in a scholarly family and showed unusual ability in science from a young age.
While working in government service, he continued experiments and published research in physics.
He joined the University of Calcutta and gained greater freedom for experimental research.
Raman and collaborators observed a change in wavelength when light scattered through a material.
He became the first Asian scientist to win a Nobel Prize in a scientific field.
Raman became director of IISc and later built independent research institutions.
He founded the institute in Bengaluru and continued research until late in life.
The Raman Effect showed that when light passes through matter, a small fraction changes energy through interaction with molecular vibrations. That discovery gave scientists a new way to identify substances and probe molecular structure.
Science • Innovation • IndiaDiscovery of the Raman Effect forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
Nobel Prize in Physics, 1930 forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
Bharat Ratna recipient forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
Founder of Raman Research Institute forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
Major contribution to spectroscopy forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
National Science Day commemorates his discovery forms part of Sir C. V. Raman’s wider contribution to Indian science, technology or public life.
The Raman Effect showed that when light passes through matter, a small fraction changes energy through interaction with molecular vibrations. That discovery gave scientists a new way to identify substances and probe molecular structure.
Raman spectroscopy is now used in laboratories, medicine, pharmaceuticals, forensics, materials science and even planetary exploration. His discovery remains one of India’s most enduring contributions to global science.
Official Nobel biography and award record.
View source →Institution founded by C. V. Raman.
View source →Institutional history and Raman’s leadership.
View source →National Science Day context.
View source →His experiments on the scattering of light transformed spectroscopy and established a discovery that remains fundamental across physics, chemistry, materials science and medicine.
Discovery of the Raman Effect, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1930, Bharat Ratna recipient.
Raman spectroscopy is now used in laboratories, medicine, pharmaceuticals, forensics, materials science and even planetary exploration. His discovery remains one of India’s most enduring contributions to global science.
Nobel Prize in Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Raman Research Institute.
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