Raman spectra and lattice dynamics of the α phases of nitrogen and carbon monoxide crystals

The Raman spectra of polycrystalline α-nitrogen and α-carbon monoxide have been recorded at 18 °K, using argon–ion and helium–neon laser excitation. Previously undetected peaks at 60 cm−1 for N2 and 90.5 cm−1 for CO are assigned as librational modes, and splitting of the stretching mode in nitrogen is observed for the first time. Spectral features in both the intramolecular and lattice regions are assigned in accordance with accepted crystal structures, and their frequencies compared with those obtained from calculations based on a spherical Lennard–Jones potential and quadrupole–quadrupole interactions between the molecules.