We have developed a new spectroscopic system for picosecond time-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) measurements. Using the optical Kerr gating method in conjunction with a nanosecond laser-based CARS system, a time resolution of 1 ps has been achieved. All-trans retinal in 1-butanol has been measured. The observed time-resolved CARS spectra show changes in the 0-10 ps time range, which are ascribed to the photoisomerization dynamics of all-trans retinal in solution. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.