Resonance Raman scattering in semiconductor quantum dots: Adiabatic vs. time-dependent perturbation theory

The adiabatic theory of resonance one-phonon Raman scattering in semiconductor nanocrystals is revised and extended with perturbative non-adiabatic corrections, given by the Albrecht’s B term. This theory is confronted with the time-dependent perturbation approach, pointing at their differences and similarities. It is shown that both theories are equivalent in the limit of weak electron-phonon coupling and non-degenerate or uncoupled resonant states. Evaluations of the A and B terms for the confined LO phonon in CdSe and CdS nanocrystals are reported. These evaluations show that the B term can usually be neglected.