Time-resolved stimulated Raman scattering in a diamond anvil cell

Abstract

We demonstrate the first application of picosecond stimulated Raman scattering in a diamond anvil cell. A study of vibrational relaxation as a function of pressure is made. As a model system, we choose the totally symmetric C–C stretching mode of benzene and benzene-d6. Measurements of the transverse relaxation time have been performed at room temperature in the pressure range up to 5 GPa. A pronounced difference in the pressure dependence of the relaxation time is observed between the fluid phase, solid phase I, and solid phase II. We also observed another interesting phenomenon: the ratio of the isotropic Raman and nonresonant contribution to the nonlinear susceptibility appears to increase with pressure.