Interface fourth-order coherent Raman

Fourth-Order Coherent Raman Scattering at Buried Interfaces... 

Successful applications of fourth-order coherent Raman scattering are presented. Interface-selective detection of Raman-active vibrations is now definitely possible at buried interfaces. It can be recognized as a Raman spectroscopy with interface selectivity. Vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy provides an interface-selective IR spectroscopy in which the vibrational coherence is created in the IR resonant transition. The two interface-selective methods are complementary, as has been experienced with Raman and IR spectroscopy in the bulk. 

Although Raman spectroscopy does not employ absorption of infrared radiation as its fundamental principle of operation, it is combined with other infrared spectroscopies into a joint section. Results obtained with various Raman spectroscopies as described below cover vibrational properties of molecules at interfaces complementing infrared spectroscopy in many cases. A general overview of applications of laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) as applied to electrochemical interfaces has been provided [342]. Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) enables spatially resolved Raman spectroscopic investigations of multilayered systems based on the collection of scattered light from spatial regions of the samples offset from the point of illumination [343]. So far this technique has only been applied in various fields outside electrochemistry [344]. Fourth-order coherent Raman spectroscopy has been developed and applied to solid/liquid interfaces [345] applications in electrochemical systems have not been reported so far. 

To ensure interface-selective detection of the Raman-pumped vibrational coherence, one more incident electric field is required. A fourth-order optical response is thereby generated. The requirement is fulfilled by observing the second harmonic (SH) light generated at the interface, instead of the transmitted fundamental light. 

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