Interfacial Structure of Soft Matter Probed by SFG Spectroscopy

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, an interface‐specific technique in contrast to, for example, attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, which is only interface sensitive, has been employed to investigate the surface and interface structure of soft matter on a molecular scale. The experimental arrangement required to carry out SFG spectroscopy, with particular reference to soft matter, and the analytical methods developed to interpret the spectra are described. The elucidation of the interfacial structure of soft matter systems is an essential prerequisite in order to understand and eventually control the surface properties of these important functional materials. As an interface‐specific vibrational technique, sum frequency generation (SFG) measurements can provide useful information about molecular structure at a variety of surfaces and interfaces, especially those on soft matter. These results are expected to help in understanding the relationship between the interfacial structure and functionality of these soft matter systems.