1st Edition

Second-order Nonlinear Optical Characterization Techniques An Introduction

    192 Pages 73 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    200 Pages 73 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Although chemists, biochemists, biologists, and material scientists are often interested in using nonlinear optical techniques for characterizing their samples, they seldom have the necessary background to exploit these methods. Designed for nonspecialists, Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Characterization Techniques: An Introduction focuses on the potential of second-order nonlinear optics as a powerful characterization tool. Avoiding extensive mathematical details, this multidisciplinary book does not require a background in advanced mathematics or physics.

    After introducing linear optics from the perspective of polarizability and linear susceptibility, the authors cover incoherent second-harmonic generation. They then deal with the study of surfaces and interfaces, exploiting the intrinsic surface sensitivity of second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation. The final chapter discusses second-order imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy and two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy.

    Accessible to a wide range of scientists, this concise book stresses the reliability of nonlinear optical processes for probing surfaces and interfaces. Drawing on the insight offered in the text, scientists from many disciplines can now clearly understand and use second-order nonlinear optical methods.

    General Aspects of Second-Order Nonlinear Optics

    Linear optical phenomena

    Nonlinear optical phenomena

    Examples of nonlinear optical phenomena

    Symmetries in second-order nonlinear optics

    Second-order polarizabilities and susceptibilities

    Beyond the electric-dipole approximation

    Determination of Molecular Symmetry with Hyper-Rayleigh Scattering

    Hyper-Rayleigh scattering: general principles

    Experimental techniques and equipment

    Determination of molecular symmetries

    Switching the first hyperpolarizability at the molecular level

    Probing aggregation and supramolecular structure in solution

    Characterization of Interfaces, Surfaces, and Thin Films

    Second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation from surfaces: general principles

    Experimental techniques and equipment

    Probing the symmetry of interfaces, surfaces, and thin films

    Molecular orientation at surfaces

    Surface adsorption and surface reactions

    Characterization of Surface Chirality by Second-Harmonic Generation and Sum-Frequency Generation

    Chirality and second-order nonlinear optics: general principles

    Experimental procedures

    Second-harmonic generation in nanostructures

    Applications to biological systems

    Molecular origin

    Relation with the Faraday effect

    Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Imaging Techniques

    General principles

    Experimental techniques and equipment

    Applications

    Appendix

    Index

    References appear at the end of each chapter.

    Biography

    Thierry Verbiest, Koen Clays, Vincent Rodriguez