C. V. Raman

Sir CV Raman

C. V. Raman was an Indian physicist whose work in the field of light scattering earned him the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics. He discovered the Raman effect, which is the change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. This article provides an overview of his life, contributions to physics, and legacy.

Early Life and Education

Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Madras Presidency, British India. From a young age, Raman showed a keen interest in science and was a brilliant student. He completed his early education at home under the guidance of his father, who was a lecturer in mathematics and physics. Raman went on to attend Presidency College, Madras, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1904 and his master's degree in 1907, excelling in physics.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Raman joined the Indian Finance Department as an Assistant Accountant General in Kolkata. However, his passion for science never waned, and he continued to conduct research in the laboratories of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) during his spare time. His dedication and innovative research led to significant discoveries in the fields of optics, acoustics, and crystallography.

In 1917, Raman resigned from his government job to accept a position as the Palit Professor of Physics at the University of Calcutta. This role allowed him to dedicate himself fully to research. It was during this time that he conducted experiments on the scattering of light, which led to the discovery of the Raman effect in 1928. This discovery proved to be a pivotal moment in the field of physics, providing evidence for the quantum nature of light.

Nobel Prize and Later Work

C. V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the Raman effect. He was the first Asian and first non-white to receive a Nobel Prize in any branch of science. Following his Nobel win, Raman continued his research, contributing to various areas of physics. In 1934, he founded the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he served as director and continued his research until his retirement.

Legacy

C. V. Raman's contributions to science have left a lasting legacy. The Raman effect has become a fundamental tool in the field of spectroscopy, allowing for the analysis of the molecular composition of materials. The Raman spectroscopy technique is widely used in chemistry, physics, and biology, as well as in the pharmaceutical and forensic sciences.

Raman also played a crucial role in promoting science education in India. He was instrumental in establishing research institutions and inspired generations of scientists in India and around the world.

Death

C. V. Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, in Bangalore, India. His work continues to influence the scientific community, and his legacy is celebrated in India and globally.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his life, Raman received numerous awards and honors in addition to the Nobel Prize. These include the Knight Bachelor by the British government in 1929 and the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1954.

See Also

• Raman scattering
• Spectroscopy
• Physics in India