The Raman spectra of single crystals of NiFe2O4 were studied in various scattering configurations in close comparison with the corresponding spectra of Ni0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 and Fe3O4. The number of experimentally observed Raman modes exceeds significantly
that expected for a normal spinel structure and the polarization properties of most of the Raman lines provide evidence for a microscopic symmetry lower than that given by the Fd-3m space group. We argue that the experimental results can be explained by considering the short range 1:1 ordering of Ni2+ and Fe3+ at the B-sites of inverse spinel structure, most probably of tetragonal P4_122/P4_322 symmetry.
The polarized Raman scattering spectra from freshly cleaved $ab$, $ac$, and $bc$ surfaces of high quality twin free YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{6.5}$ (Ortho-II) single crystals ($T_c$=57.5 K and $Delta T = 0.6$ K) were studied between 80 and 300 K. All eleven $
A_g$ Raman modes expected for the Ortho-II structure as well some modes of $B_{2g}$ and $B_{3g}$ symmetry were identified in close comparison with predictions of lattice dynamical calculations. The electronic scattering from the $ab$ planes is strongly anisotropic and decreases between 200 and 100 K within the temperature range of previously reported pseudogap opening. The coupling of phonons to Raman active electronic excitations manifested by asymmetric (Fano) profiles of several modes also decreases in the same range. Among the new findings that distinguish the Raman scattering of Ortho-II from that of Ortho-I phase is the unusual relationship ($alpha_{xx} approx -alpha_{yy}$) between the elements of the Raman tensor of the apex oxygen $A_g$ mode.
