Molecular Motion and Raman Band Shapes in Liquid Nitrogen and Oxygen

Spontaneous Raman band shapes have been measured in liquid nitrogen and oxygen. Depolarization ratios have also been measured and compared with those in the gas. Correlation functions are obtained from Q-branch spectra, and the time dependence of rotational motion is discussed. Motional narrowing and rotational quenching are considered as possible mechanisms which could give rise to the observed spectra.