Improved geometry for polarization-sensitive nonlinear spectroscopy

Abstract

An improved geometry for nonlinear spectroscopy experiments is proposed and demonstrated with the Raman-induced Kerr effect. The new scheme utilizes the nonreciprocal rotation of linearly polarized light in a Faraday rotator to manipulate the pump, probe, and signal beams. Complete collinear overlap of the interacting laser beams is conveniently achieved, with 100% of the nonlinearly generated signal incident on the detector. The sensitivity is consequently maximized.