Revivals of Molecular Nonlinear Opticsin Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences

摘要

Molecular Nonlinear Optics, an otherwise well established domain, is currently revisiting and shaking itsfoundations, objectives and methods, in the frame of ongoing conceptual as well as methodological revivals. Theseare based on correlated advances in chemistry and physics, entailing spectacular advances in the new playground ofmultiphoton bio-imaging. For chemistry, we chose to review and highlight a comprehensive multipolar templateapproach will helps rationalize and generalize molecular design rules, with current emphasis on multi-functionalityand the nano-scale. In consistence with advances in chemistry, we emphasize for physics the domain of nonlinearmicro- and nano-photonics, in particular with respect to active nonlinear coupling schemes, based on interference ofmulti-photon absorption pathways. It permits to encode nonlinear information or guide the displacement ofmolecular or nano-scale objects by adequate laser illumination. Building-up on these advances and more, advancedbio-imaging methods such as based on phase and polarization resolved nonlinear schemes, are currently opening-upnew windows onto cellular structures and mechanisms, with the potential towards unprecedented spatial resolution.