CV Raman was the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Physics for his discovery of the Raman effect. The Raman effect is the inelastic scattering of light, which is used in chemical laboratories and medical settings to identify molecules and detect diseases without harm. Raman scanners utilizing this effect are now used by law enforcement to detect narcotics and explosives, as well as safety inspectors to identify chemicals and gases. Raman was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, for his scientific achievements and contributions.