Second-order nonlinear optical characterization techniques: an introduction

Thierry Verbiest, Koen Clays, Vincent Rodriguez9781420070712, 1420070711

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.

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Table of contents :
Front cover……Page 1
Contents……Page 6
Preface……Page 10
The Authors……Page 14
chapter one. General aspects of second-order nonlinear optics……Page 16
chapter two. Determination of molecular symmetry with hyper-Rayleigh scattering……Page 42
chapter three. Characterization of interfaces, surfaces, and thin films……Page 78
chapter four. Characterization of surface chirality by second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation……Page 130
chapter five. Second-order nonlinear optical imaging techniques……Page 164
Appendix……Page 184
Index……Page 188
Back cover……Page 202