Terahertz Response of L-Serine at Low Temperatures

The temperature dependence of the terahertz spectrum of L-serine has been measured below liquid nitrogen temperatures for the first time. With a high purity sample and temperatures as low as 6 K, the five intrinsic absorptions of L-serine in the frequency range below 3 THz have been identified. Room temperature spectra of D-serine show identical features to the L-enantiomer. A new Raman-active mode has also been identified at 1.41 THz.