Nonlinear optical spectral interferometry of nanostructures by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

We experimentally study the spectrum of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) from Raman-active vibrations of gas-phase nitrogen molecules in a mesoporous silica aerogel host. The CARS spectral profile under these conditions is controlled by the interference of the resonant part of the nonlinear-optical susceptibility, related to nitrogen molecules in the pores of aerogel, and the nonresonant contribution, provided by the mesoporous host. Raman-active vibrations of gas-phase molecular nitrogen give rise to intense resonances in CARS spectra. These spectral profiles can serve as a local probe for measuring effective-medium parameters of nanocomposite materials (nanoCARS).

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DDC Class

530: Physik