Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Characterization Techniques: An Introduction

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.