Low-Frequency Raman Spectroscopy: Opportunities in Solid-State Modeling and Analysis

Low-frequency Raman (LFR) spectroscopy is a nondestructive technique capable of probing low-energy vibrational modes. This capability offers unique insights into the lattice structures of solids and their intermolecular interactions. Often regarded as an extension to conventional Raman spectroscopy, its growing popularity is the result of increased instrumental accessibility and improved usability for solid-state analysis, enabled by innovative advances in optics, statistical tools, and computational methods. This review introduces LFR spectroscopy, followed by a discussion of the supporting statistical tools and computational methods used to analyze acquired data to reveal structural information. The applicability of LFR spectroscopy is then discussed by highlighting the recent applications covering characterization of structure and properties, structural response to external stimuli, lattice-structure relationship, and its position as a complementary tool. Finally, the current challenges and limitations of LFR spectroscopy are discussed, along with its future opportunities in solid-state modeling and analysis.