Raman scattering spectra recorded in the course of the water–ice phase transition and laser diagnostics of heterophase water systems

The method of laser Raman spectroscopy was used to study heterophase water systems. The apparatus included an argon laser, an optical multichannel analyzer, and a microcomputer. The temperature dependences of the profiles of the valence (stretching) band in the Raman spectrum of liquid water between + 50 °C and – 7 °C and of polycrystalline ice Ih (from 0 to – 62 °C) were determined, as well as the spectral polarization characteristics of the Raman valence band. A method was developed for the determination of the partial concentrations of the H₂O molecules in liquid and solid phases present as a mixture. An analysis was made of the errors of the method and the sources of these errors. Applications of the method to multiparameter problems in more complex water systems (for example, solutions of potassium iodide in water) were considered. Other potential practical applications of the method were discussed.