Nonlinear-Optical Spectroscopy and Microscopy of Confined Liquids

在这个由化学部实验物理化学计划资助的项目中，Fourkas将研究纳米多孔溶胶-凝胶玻璃，以研究距离尺度上的限制效应，该距离尺度大约在分子尺寸的范围内。 在这样的距离上，可能对液体的结构和动力学产生重大影响。 该材料是高度多孔的，具有光学质量，并且可以容易地控制孔表面的平均孔径和化学性质。 实验是基于使用超快光学克尔效应（OKE）技术。 分子形状对弱润湿液体在固/液界面上的动力学的作用将作为温度和孔径的函数进行研究。这项研究将在几个方面产生影响。 密闭液体存在于自然界中，在许多技术领域也很重要。 从这项工作中获得的知识将对许多科学和技术领域具有重要意义，例如，水在生物环境中的行为，而对封闭烷烃的研究将直接影响润滑和石油回收。 参与该项目的大学生和高中生以及高中教师将参与一项多学科的事业，拓宽他们对当代科学实践的看法和理解。

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Fourkas will investigate nanoporous sol-gel glasses to study the confinement effects on a distance scale that is within approximately the order of a molecular dimension. At such distances there can be significant effects on the structure and dynamics of liquids. The materials are highly porous, of optical quality, and the average pore size and chemical nature of the pore surfaces can be controlled readily. The experiments are based on the use of ultrafast optical Kerr effect (OKE) techniques. The role of molecular shapes on the dynamics of weakly wetting liquids at solid/liquid interfaces will be investigated as function of temperature and pore size.There are several ways in which this research will make an impact. Confined liquids are found throughout nature and are also important in many areas of technology. The knowledge gained from this work will be of importance to many areas of science and technology, such as, for example, how water behaves in biological contexts, while the work on the confined alkanes will have direct bearing on lubrication and oil recovery. The university and high school students, as well as high school teachers who will participate in this project will be involved in a multidisciplinary undertaking that broadens their outlook and understanding of how contemporary science is practiced.