Optical Nonlinearity in DNA Films.

Abstract

Raman scattering, Brillouin scattering and optical harmonic generation are being used to probe the electronic properties of DNA. The conformation transitions, and physical properties such as stiffness, optical polarizability, and vibrational frequencies of the molecule in the solid state are found to be strongly dependent on the counter ion. We have examined the alkali metal salts of DNA, finding (for the monovalent counter ions) that the controlling parameter is the ion size. Properties are affected by the formation of bonds (possibly mediated by diffuse ion cloud interactions) between phosphate groups. We also find that the dynamics of the double helix are strongly influenced by the primary hydration shell at GHz frequencies. We have used Brillouin scattering to examine the dynamics of bound water, and Raman scattering to examine its structure. DNA films have unusual elasto-optic properties. Keywords: DNA; Optical properties; Phase transitions; Optical harmonic generation; Molecular biology. (KT)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 15, 1988
Accession Number
ADA195816

Entities

People

  • S. M. Lindsay

Organizations

  • Arizona State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brillouin Scattering
  • Demographic Cohorts
  • Dynamics
  • Frequency
  • Hydration
  • Light Scattering
  • Materials Science
  • Molecules
  • Optical Properties
  • Phase Transformations
  • Physical Properties
  • Physics
  • Raman Scattering
  • Raman Spectra
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Scattering
  • Transitions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Quantum Chemistry

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene