Pulsed optoacoustic spectroscopy of condensed matter

TLDR: In this paper, the authors discuss the theory and experiments dealing with the pulsed optoacoustic effect (i.e., generation of a transient acoustic wave by absorption of an optical pulse) in condensed matter.

Abstract: The authors discuss the theory and experiments dealing with the pulsed optoacoustic effect (i.e., generation of a transient acoustic wave by absorption of an optical pulse) in condensed matter. Their primary interest lies in the measurement of small absorption coefficients (\ensuremath{\ll}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). At present an experimental capability of measuring absorption coefficients as small as ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ has been demonstrated, and further improvement is foreseen. The pulsed optoacoustic absorption measurement technique has been applied to the following linear spectroscopic studies: (1) precise measurements of the optical absorption spectra of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O; (b) accurate determination of absorption strengths and profiles of high harmonics ($n=6, 7, \mathrm{and} 8$) of vibrational modes in transparent organic liquids (e.g., benzene); (c) quantitative absorption spectra of thin (\ensuremath{\sim} 1-10 \ensuremath{\mu}m) liquid films; and (d) quantitative absorption spectra of solids and finely powdered crystals. The usefulness of the pulsed optoacoustic technique to nonlinear spectroscopy has been demonstrated in the following studies: (a) quantitative two-photon absorption spectroscopy of the weak two-photon ($^{1}B_{2\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}^{1}A_{1g}$) transition in benzene; and (b) optoacoustic Raman-gain spectra for a variety of liquids where an ability to measure Raman gains as small as ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ has been demonstrated. In addition to reviewing the above studies the authors discuss future possible applications and compare the pulsed optoacoustic spectroscopy technique with other optoacoustic absorption measurement techniques.