Nonlinear optical probes of interfaces
The laser has become an indispensable tool for investigating the bulk properties of matter, but it has not been widely exploited in the study of surfaces and interfaces. During the last few years, however, several promising applications of lasers to surface science have appeared. One line of research takes advantage of the laser's ability to probe surfaces and interfaces. Lasers can, for example, be used to obtain information about the molecule/surface interaction by detecting transitions in molecules scattered from surfaces. Laser-induced desorption and surface photoacoustic spectroscopy can yield vibrational spectra of molecules adsorbed on surfaces. Considerable progress has also been made in the development of surface probes based on nonlinear optical effects. These purely optical methods have an important role to play in surface studies. Unlike the conventional probes of surface science, which rely on the emission, absorption, or scattering of massive particles, they are generally applicable to interfaces between two dense media and, therefore, offer some unique and intriguing possibilities. In this article, a brief discussion of these techniques is given.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 6743787
- Journal Information:
- Laser Focus; (United States), Journal Name: Laser Focus; (United States)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Nonlinear optical studies of surfaces
Nonlinear optical studies of molecular adsorbates
Related Subjects
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
INTERFACES
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
ADSORPTION
HARMONICS
LAYERS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
RAMAN EFFECT
SURFACE PROPERTIES
OSCILLATIONS
SORPTION
SPECTROSCOPY
656002* - Condensed Matter Physics- General Techniques in Condensed Matter- (1987-)