Three-dimensional imaging of chemical bond orientation in liquid crystals by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy.

ORAL

Abstract

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is used to provide three-dimensional chemical maps of liquid crystalline (LC) samples without the use of external labels. CARS is a polarization-sensitive optical imaging technique that derives contrast from Raman-active molecular vibrations in the sample. Compared to other three-dimensional imaging techniques, CARS offers the most rapid chemical characterization available without the use of external dyes or contrast agents. Examples that illustrate the applicability of CARS microscopy to LCs include textures and defects in nematic and smectic LC, electric Frederiks transition.

*Supported by NSF DMR 0504516, DBI-0649892, Keck Foundation, AFOSR MURI FA9550-06-1-0337

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Authors

  • Oleg Lavrentovich

    • Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242
    • Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, USA
    • Kent State University

  • Heung-Shik Park

    • Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242

  • Brian G. Saar

    • Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138

  • X. Sunney Xie

    • Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138