OPTICAL KERR EFFECT EXPERIMENTS ON COMPLEX LIQUIDS, A Direct Access to Fast Dynamic Processes

Abstract

The time-resolved spectroscopy based on polarization effects represents one of the most sensitive techniques for studying dynamical phenomena in condensed matter. The optical Kerr effect performed with ultra-short laser pulses enables a unique investigation of dynamic processes covering a wide time range, typically from few femtoseconds up to many nanoseconds. This spectroscopic tool is particularly well suited for the measurement of relaxation patterns in complex liquids where several dynamic phenomena, taking place on different time scales, are present. In this chapter we introduce the optical Kerr effect principles, the experimental procedure, and some results from measurements in a number of different complex liquids.