Raman scattering using vortex light

Abstract We re-examine the theory of Raman scattering in cubic crystals. The unconventional vector potential of vortex light leads to new selection rules. We show that in this novel optical process, (a) silent phonon modes become active and (b) scattering tensors change for ordinary Raman active phonon modes. Calculation based on a simplified model shows that the vortex Raman scattering intensity can be comparable with that of ordinary Raman process.