Trends in the vibrational spectroscopy of single crystals

That part of the field of single-crystal vibrational spectroscopy which is devoted to acquisition of well-proven assignments in terms of symmetry species is first placed within the wider context of solid state spectroscopy as a whole. Theoretical and practical factors which limit the size of crystal with which meaningful polarisation data can be obtained are then considered. Finally, brief summaries are given of selected areas of recent significant activity: chain and layer structures, silicates, and complexes with donor ligands.