Abstract

Time-resolved four-wave mixing is a frequently used method for studying the loss of coherence of optically excited states in molecules and solids. The decay of the macroscopic polarization due to dephasing yields information about scattering processes and the nature of the excited states. If a few closely spaced states are excited, the polarization decay can be modulated by interference, the so-called quantum beats.

© 1990 Optical Society of America