Abstract

Persistent IR spectral holes can be generated in the vibrational degrees of freedom of small molecules matrix isolated in crystals⁽¹⁾ and glasses^(2,3) even though no electronic excitation is involved, i.e., a non-photochemical process. The union of the IR lead salt diode laser and broad band FT interferometric methods has produced a new high resolution spectroscopic technique for investigating both the statics and dynamics of molecules in solids. These low power single mode diode lasers (~10 to 100 μW) provide a near ideal cw source for investigating persistent IR spectral holes (PIRSHs). They can be produced and probed with a single laser, focused to an intensity at the sample typically up to 100 mW/cm². Persistent spectral changes which occur far from the laser line can be monitored with an FTS probe beam at 60 MHz resolution.

© 1991 Optical Society of America