Nanosecond time-resolved Raman spectroscopy of molecular solids under laser-driven shock compression

Nanosecond time-resolved Raman spectroscopy has been performed to study anthracene films using pump-probe technique. A Raman shift at 1404 cm−1, which is attributed to symmetric ring stretching mode in anthracene, was examined under laser-driven shock compression up to 1.6 GPa. During the shock compression, time-resolved Raman spectra with good S/N ratios are obtained, and the shock propagation and pressure are monitored in detail. The variations in Raman spectra imply that the overall linewidth broadening is likely due to the shock pressure gradient, rather than the shock-induced temperature increase in anthracene film.