The proposed research is to study nonlinear interaction of light and matter in thin polymer films and in molecular systems. The molecules may be doped or attached to the polymer matrices. It is proposed to combine optical near field scanning tip microscopy with femtosecond optical pulses to investigate the multiphoton interactions. The ultimate goal is to investigate interactions of light with single molecules and study its nonlinear effect in their local environment. Femtosecond optical pulses can be used to time-resolve these effects. The educational component of this proposal is to establish an MS degree program in Applied Physcis/Optoelectronics in WSU.
