This course provides a graduate-level overview of vibrational spectroscopy with emphasis on the physical principles governing
photon–matter interactions. The course begins with fundamental concepts in quantum chemistry, molecular symmetry, group theory,
and molecular vibrations, which form the basis for understanding vibrational spectra. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy are
introduced as core techniques for probing molecular structure.
Advanced topics include polarization effects, molecular orientation at surfaces, interface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopies, and an introduction to instrumentation used in vibrational spectroscopy, including light sources, optical components, and detectors. Selected advanced and nonlinear spectroscopic methods and applications to complex systems such as biomolecules are discussed.
Throughout the course, students develop the ability to critically analyze vibrational spectroscopy data, assess experimental and instrumental limitations, and evaluate how spectroscopic results are interpreted and reported in the scientific literature.
Advanced topics include polarization effects, molecular orientation at surfaces, interface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopies, and an introduction to instrumentation used in vibrational spectroscopy, including light sources, optical components, and detectors. Selected advanced and nonlinear spectroscopic methods and applications to complex systems such as biomolecules are discussed.
Throughout the course, students develop the ability to critically analyze vibrational spectroscopy data, assess experimental and instrumental limitations, and evaluate how spectroscopic results are interpreted and reported in the scientific literature.
The purpose of this class is to equip students with the ability to analyze and interpret vibrational spectroscopic data based
on molecular symmetry, group theory, and photon–matter interactions. Students will learn to apply infrared and Raman spectroscopy,
understand advanced and interface-sensitive vibrational techniques, and evaluate the capabilities and limitations of spectroscopic
approach. By completing this course, students will be able to critically assess vibrational spectroscopy results reported
in research literature and use vibrational spectroscopy as a rigorous analytical tool in graduate-level research.
- To build a solid theoretical foundation for understanding molecular vibrations and vibrational spectroscopy based on quantum mechanics, symmetry, and group theory.
- To enable students to interpret infrared and Raman spectra and relate spectral features to molecular structure, symmetry, and orientation, while recognizing the assumptions and limitations of these methods.
- Students will be able to explain advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques and their instrumentation.
- To develop students’ ability to critically evaluate vibrational spectroscopy data and research conclusions.
| Reports | Mid-term exam | Final exam | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10% | 15% | 5% | 30% |
| 2. | 0% | 15% | 5% | 20% |
| 3. | 0% | 5% | 15% | 20% |
| 4. | 10% | 5% | 15% | 30% |
| Total. | 20% | 40% | 40% | - |
| Class schedule | HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) | Amount of Time Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1． | Review of quantum chemistry. Basic physics of interaction of light with matter. General introduction to photon-based spectroscopic
methods. 11/24 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 2． | Molecular symmetry and point groups. 11/24 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| Report on point group. | 300minutes | ||
| 3． | Molecular vibrations and normal modes 12/1 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| 4． | Infrared and Raman vibrational spectroscopy 12/1 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| 5． | Group theory and character tables. 12/8 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| 6． | Polarization and molecular orientation at surfaces 12/8 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| 7． | Mid term examination and discussion of solutions to the exam problems. Discussion of submitted reports. 12/15 |
Review materials introduced in class 1-6. | 300minutes |
| 8． | Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Molecular orientation with TERS. 12/15 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| Read distributed article. | 90minutes | ||
| 9． | Nonlinear spectroscopy. 12/22 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 10． | Biomolecular spectroscopy 12/22 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| 11． | Laser sources and optical components in vibrational spectroscopy. 1/12 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 190minutes |
| 12． | Detectors, spectral resolution, and sensitivity limits in vibrational spectroscopy. . 1/12 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 100minutes |
| Report on practical application of vibrational spectroscopies, including limitations. | 300minutes | ||
| 13． | Final examination and discussion of solutions to the exam problems. 1/19 |
Read handouts and web resources. | 90minutes |
| 100minutes | |||
| 14． | Discussion of submitted reports and recapitulation of course content. 1/19 |
Review materials introduced in class 7-12. | 300minutes |
| Total. | - | - | 2940minutes |
Student performance will be evaluated based on reports (20%), a mid-term examination (40%), and a final examination (40%).
To successfully complete the course, students must achieve a total score of 60% or higher.
To successfully complete the course, students must achieve a total score of 60% or higher.
| ways of feedback | specific contents about "Other" |
|---|---|
| The Others | Feedback is provided during office hours. Please contact teacher and make an appointment. |
Donald A. McQuarrie, John D. Simon: Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
P. W.Atkins: Physical Chemistry, 8th Edition, New York, 2006.
D. C. Harris, M.D. Bertolucci: Symmetry and Spectroscopy: Dover, 1989.
Lecture slides will be distributed electronically after each class.
P. W.Atkins: Physical Chemistry, 8th Edition, New York, 2006.
D. C. Harris, M.D. Bertolucci: Symmetry and Spectroscopy: Dover, 1989.
Lecture slides will be distributed electronically after each class.
This course is intended for students planning to enroll in a PhD program and pursue an academic or research-oriented career.
A solid background in physics, chemistry, and mathematics is required.
- Contact via e-mail, the e-mail addresses to Izabela Rzeznicka: izabela[at]shibaura-it.ac.jp
Response will be given once a week.
- Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
- Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
| Work experience | Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Last modified : Tue Mar 03 16:08:02 JST 2026