Point Group Symmetry Determination
via Observables
Revealed by Polarized Second-Harmonic Generation Microscopy: (1) Theory
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Abstract
We present a methodology based on polarization-controlled
second-harmonic
generation microscopy that allows one to determine the point group
symmetry of noncentrosymmetric structures in situ and in vivo in complex
systems regardless of the occurrence of periodicity. Small, randomly
oriented structures suffice for the analysis, which is based on simple
recognition of observables in four tests. These can be performed in
any standard SHG-microscope that allows polarization control of the
incident and detected light. The method is resilient to birefringence
and light dispersion