ULTRA: A Unique Instrument for Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

We report the development of a high sensitivity time-resolved infrared and Raman spectrometer with exceptional experimental flexibility based on a 10-kHz synchronized dual-arm femtosecond and picosecond laser system Ultrafast high average-power titanium sapphire lasers and optical parametric amplifiers provide wavelength tuning from the ultraviolet (UV) to the mid-infrared region Customized silicon, indium gallium arsenide, and mercury cadmium telluride linear array detectors are provided to monitor the probe laser intensity in the UV to mid-infrared wavelength range capable of measuring changes in sample absorbance of Delta OD similar to 10(-5) in 1 second The system performance is demonstrated for the time resolved infrared, two-dimensional (2D) infrared, and femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy techniques with organometallic intermediates, organic excited states, and the dynamics of the tertiary structure of DNA