Photothermal applications of lasers: Study of fast and ultrafast photothermal phenomena at metal-liquid interfaces

Recent studies on fast (<10 ns) and ultrafast (<10 ps) photothermal and photoacoustic phenomena occurring at solid-liquid interfaces are discussed, including related topics, with emphasis placed on interfaces between aqueous solutions and metals under electrochemical potential control. Details of transient reflecting grating measurements for metal-liquid interfaces are considered as they relate to mesoscopic interface structures and nano-environments. Dependencies of fast photothermal phenomena on the electrochemical potential and types of anions in the solutions are shown. Ultrafast photothermal phenomena observed by transient reflectivity measurements are considered in connection with interface femtochemistry and hot electron reactions. Technical progress in measuring fast and ultrafast photothermal phenomena is reviewed for solid-liquid interfaces, including colloidal solutions.