Circular Polarization-Resolved Raman Optical Activity: A Perspective on Chiral Spectroscopies of Vibrational States

Circular polarization-resolved Raman scattering methods include Raman optical activity (ROA) and its derivative─surface-enhanced Raman optical activity (SEROA). These spectroscopic modalities are rapidly developing due to their high information content, stand-off capabilities, and rapid development of Raman-active chiral nanostructures. These methods enable a direct readout of the vibrational energy levels of chiral molecules, crystals, and nanostructured materials, making it possible to study complex interactions and the dynamic interfaces between them. They were shown to be particularly valuable for nano- and biotechnological fields encompassing complex particles with nanoscale chirality that combine strong scattering and intense polarization rotation. This perspective dives into recent advancements in ROA and SEROA, their distinction from surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and the potential of these information-rich label-free spectroscopies for the detection of chiral biomolecules.