Classical and quantum correlation functions. Relaxation. Lineshape and correlation functions. Linear response; density matrix. Diagrammatic representation. Linear and non linear susceptibility. Time and frequency domain spectroscopy. Laser and coherent sources; measurements techniques. Optical Kerr effect. Pump-probe spectroscopy. Coherent electronic and vibrational spectroscopy: CARS, photon echo, two-dimensional spectroscopies.
S. Mukamel, Principles of Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy. (Oxford University Press, New York, 1995).
Learning Objectives
To get acquainted to the theoretical basis of quantum molecular dynamics and of radiation-matter interaction, on the basis of density matrix and correlation functions description. To be able of describing on those bases the non linear optical effects used in different coherent spectroscopic techniques, and to relate them to the relevant experimental observables. To become aware of the basic principles of the coherent light sources.
Prerequisites
Courses required: none
Courses recommended: none
Teaching Methods
Lectures: 48 hours
Type of Assessment
5 exam sessions per year
Course program
Dynamics of molecular systems and classical correlation functions. Quantum correlation functions. Correlation functions, relaxation, dephasing. Lineshape and correlation functions. Kubo picture. Heisemberg and interactions representations: expansion of the time evolution operator. Linear response; density matrix. Two-level system: the ½ spin case. Magnetic resonance: Bloch picture. Generalization of the Bloch picture to optical spectroscopy. Radiation – molecule interaction: perturbative treatment. Perturbative expansion of the density matrix: response function and polarization at the different perturbation orders. Diagrammatic representation. Linear and non-linear susceptibility- Non linear spectroscopy. Time resolved spectroscopy: the “molecular movie”. Experimental topics: laser and coherent light sources; measurement techniques. Molecular dynamics in the liquid phase: optical Kerr effect. Pump-probe spectroscopy: dynamics of excited states in biological systems. Coherent spectroscopies of electronic and vibrational transitions: CARS, photon echo, two-dimensional spectroscopies.