Ultrafast Intermolecular Motions in Liquids Using the Optical Kerr Effect

Optical Kerr effect spectroscopy of simple liquids.

In this paper, we review the state of the field of optical Kerr effect (OKE) spectroscopy of simple liquids, with a focus on results from our laboratory. We discuss the history and the theoretical underpinnings of this technique. We consider contemporary issues in the interpretation of OKE spectra, including the origin of the "intermediate" response and the factors affecting the shape of the re...

Title of dissertation : THE OPTICAL KERR EFFECT OF LIQUIDS

Title of dissertation: THE OPTICAL KERR EFFECT OF LIQUIDS Xiang Zhu, Doctor of Philosophy, 2007 Dissertation directed by: Professor John T. Fourkas Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Optical Kerr effect (OKE) spectroscopy has found broad use in monitoring ultrafast dynamics in transparent media. I demonstrated that by using two pump pulses with independently-controllable polarizations, in...

Water dynamics at protein interfaces: ultrafast optical Kerr effect study.

The behavior of water molecules surrounding a protein can have an important bearing on its structure and function. Consequently, a great deal of attention has been focused on changes in the relaxation dynamics of water when it is located at the protein surface. Here we use the ultrafast optical Kerr effect to study the H-bond structure and dynamics of aqueous solutions of proteins. Measurements...

Ultrafast Raman-induced Kerr-effect of water: Single molecule versus collective motions

Ultrafast dynamics of the photo-induced magneto-optical Kerr effect in CdTe at room temperature