2014 Volume 63 Issue 6 Pages 485-495
Basic principles for characterizing molecular adsorbates on a flat surface using infrared and Raman spectroscopy are described. The theoretical base for analyzing the infrared spectra of a condensed matter is electrodynamics. The conclusions of the theoretical analyses depending on an optical configuration are called surface selection rules, which are conveniently used for discussing the molecular orientation on the surface. A theoretical treatment of Raman spectra is also described briefly.