Quantum beat spectroscopy in chemistry

Quantum beat spectroscopy is a Doppler-free time domain method based on the creation of molecular coherences with a laser pulse and the measurement of their subsequent time evolution. Fourier transformation of the time evolut ion allows a spectrum in the frequency domain with lifetime- limited resolu tion to be recovered. This article gives an account of the technique applie d in high resolution mode which allows the study of isolated molecules, rad icals and complexes in extensive detail and with great accuracy.