Structure and dynamics of molecular liquids investigated by optical-heterodyne detected Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy (OHD-RIKES)

Experimental femtosecond OHD-RIKES results of benzene, 1,4-cyclo-hexadiene, 1,5-cyclo-octadiene, benzonitrile, and o-methylbenzonitrile are reported. The goal of these experiments is to elucidate the structure and dynamics of aromatic liquids and to understand the underlying intermolecular forces. The experimental results are discussed in light of recent advances in theory and experiment that have contributed to our current understanding of the aromatic-aromatic intermolecular forces.