LINEAR ELECTROOPTIC EFFECT IN OPTICALLY-ACTIVE LIQUIDS

A linear effect of an electrostatic field F on the intensity of sum- a nd difference-frequency generation in a chiral liquid is predicted. It arises in the electric dipole approximation. The effect changes sign with the enantiomer and on reversing the direction of the electrostati c field. The sum-frequency generator chi(alpha beta gamma)((2)) (-omeg a(3);omega(1),omega(2)), where omega(3) = omega(1) + omega(2), and the electric field-induced sum-frequency generator chi(alpha beta gamma d elta)((3))(-omega(3);omega(1),omega(2),0)F-delta interfere and their c ontributions to the scattering power can be distinguished. Encouraging predictions are given for a typical experimental arrangement. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.