Abstract

Dynamics and interactions in low temperature glasses can be studied with optical line narrowing techniques applied to chromophores embedded in glassy hosts. Prior to the use of optical methods, a wide variety of classical methods, such as heat capacities, were applied to the study of glasses. Results have been successfully interpreted in terms of a model of the glass potential surface described in terms of Two Level Systems (TLS). Because of the very large extent of inhomogeneous broadening in glassy systems, it is necessary to apply line narrowing methods to provide information on the dynamics and interactions of atoms and molecules with their environments.

© 1991 Optical Society of America