Abstract

This paper examines a new experimental approach for studying ultrafast relaxation processes in biological systems—picosecond time-resolved circular-dichroism spectroscopy. The technical details of the experimental apparatus will be discussed. Optical analysis using Jones matrix calculus shows how complications due to pump induced linear dichroism can be eliminated enabling the isolation and measurement of transient circular dichroism signals. Extension of this approach to femtosecond time resolution will also be examined.

© 1990 Optical Society of America