Laser‐based probes can be used to study the dynamics of surface reactions and phase transitions on timescales as short as a few femtoseconds. Here we report the results of an experiment in which visible frequency second harmonic generation is used to follow the change in structural symmetry of crystalline silicon as it evolves, after the silicon has been electronically excited with a 100 femtosecond optical pulse. We also report development of a picosecond high‐repetiton rate infrared source which may be used for time‐resolved vibrational studies of molecular adsorbates on surfaces.

Topics
Phase transitions, Optical sources, Second harmonic generation, Chemical elements, Adsorption, Solar cells, Surface reactions
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© 1989 American Institute of Physics.
1989
American Institute of Physics
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