An introduction to one of the fundamental tools in chemical research—spectroscopy and photophysics in condensed-phase and extended systems A great deal of modern research in chemistry and materials science involves the interaction of radiation with condensed-phase systems such as molecules in liquids and solids as well as molecules in more complex media, molecular aggregates, metals, semiconductors, and composites. Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics was developed to fill the need for a textbook that introduces the basics of traditional molecular spectroscopy with a strong emphasis on condensed-phase systems. It also examines optical processes in extended systems such as metals, semiconductors, and conducting polymers, and addresses the unique optical properties of nanoscale systems. Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics begins with an introduction to quantum mechanics that sets a solid foundation for understanding the text's subsequent topics, including: Electromagnetic radiation and radiation-matter interactions Molecular vibrations and infrared spectroscopy Electronic spectroscopy Photophysical processes and light scattering Nonlinear and pump-probe spectroscopies Electron transfer processes Each chapter contains problems ranging from simple to complex, enabling readers to gradually build their skills and problem-solving abilities. Written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in physical and materials chemistry, this text is uniquely designed to equip readers to solve a broad array of current problems and challenges in chemistry.

Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics An introduction to one of the fundamental tools in chemical research—spectroscopy and photophysics in condensed-phase and extended systems Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics comprehensively covers radiation-matter interactions for molecules in condensed phases along with metallic and semiconductor nanostructures, examining optical processes in extended systems such as metals, semiconductors, and conducting polymers and addressing the unique optical properties of nanoscale systems. The text differs from others through its emphasis on the molecule-environment interactions that strongly influence spectra in condensed phases, including spectroscopy and photophysics of molecular aggregates, molecular solids, and metals and semiconductors, as well as more modern topics such as two-dimensional and single-molecule spectroscopy. To aid in reader comprehension, the text includes case studies and illustrated examples. An online manual with solutions to the problems in the book is available to all readers on a companion website. Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics begins with an introduction to quantum mechanics that sets a solid foundation for understanding the text’s subsequent topics, including: Electromagnetic radiation and radiation-matter interactions, molecular vibrations and infrared spectroscopy, and electronic spectroscopy Photophysical processes and light scattering, nonlinear and pump-probe spectroscopies, and electron transfer processes Basic rotational spectroscopy and statistical mechanics, Raman scattering, 2D and single-molecule spectroscopies, and time-domain pictures of steady-state spectroscopies Time-independent quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, group theory, radiation-matter interactions, and system-bath interactions Atomic spectroscopy, photophysical processes, light scattering, nonlinear and pump-probe spectroscopies, two-dimensional spectroscopies, and metals and plasmons Written for researchers and upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in physical and materials chemistry, Condensed-Phase Molecular Spectroscopy and Photophysics is a valuable learning resource that is uniquely designed to equip readers to solve a broad array of current problems and challenges in the vast field of chemistry.

This book sheds light on the molecular aspects of liquids and liquid-based materials such as organic or inorganic liquids, ionic liquids, proteins, biomaterials, and soft materials including gels. The reader discovers how the molecular basics of such systems are connected with their properties, dynamics, and functions. Once the use and application of liquids and liquid-based materials are understood, the book becomes a source of the latest, detailed knowledge of their structures, dynamics, and functions emerging from molecularity. The systems discussed in the book have structural dimensions varying from nanometers to millimeters, thus the precise estimation of structures and dynamics from experimental, theoretical, and simulation methods is of crucial importance. Outlines of the practical knowledge needed in research and development are helpfully included in the book.

Contributors to this volume focus on the fundamentals of the technique of analyzing material based on the atomic weight of the species, using the power and definition of lasers to enable measurement of smaller quantities and more finely localized particles. Each chapter deals with a particular application area and should be sufficient to form an entry point for the utilization of mass spectrometry by graduate students and researchers. The book provides the first full discussion of the new techniques of laser applications in the field.

Carotenoids: Biological Functions of Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Natural and Artificial Systems, Volume 674 in the Methods in Enzymology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on topics such as Ultrafast laser spectroscopic studies on carotenoids in solution and on those bound to photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes, Assessing photoprotective functions of carotenoids in photosynthetic systems of plants and green algae, Fluorescence of carotenoids: probing binding site interactions and conformational motion in carotenoproteins, Resonance Raman: A powerful tool to interrogate carotenoids in biological matrices, and much more. Other chapters in the book cover Engineering the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway to study the function of carotenoids in light-harvesting complexes, Carotenoids as proxies for variations in photosynthesis and phenology in response to environmental and climatic change, Apocarotenoid pigment biosynthesis in non-model plants, Apocarotenoid transport in plants, Screening for apocarotenoid plant growth regulators in Arabidopsis, Effects of herbivory on carotenoid biosynthesis and breakdown, Biosynthesis and action of apocarotenoid plant hormones, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in Methods in Enzymology series - Updated release includes the latest information on Carotenoids: Biological functions of carotenoids and apocarotenoids in natural and artificial systems

The breadth of scientific and technological interests in the general topic of photochemistry is truly enormous and includes, for example, such diverse areas as microelectronics, atmospheric chemistry, organic synthesis, non-conventional photoimaging, photosynthesis, solar energy conversion, polymer technologies, and spectroscopy. This Specialist Periodical Report on Photochemistry aims to provide an annual review of photo-induced processes that have relevance to the above wide-ranging academic and commercial disciplines, and interests in chemistry, physics, biology and technology. In order to provide easy access to this vast and varied literature, each volume of Photochemistry comprises sections concerned with photophysical processes in condensed phases, organic aspects which are sub-divided by chromophore type, polymer photochemistry, and photochemical aspects of solar energy conversion. Volume 34 covers literature published from July 2001 to June 2002. Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage in major areas of chemical research. Compiled by teams of leading authorities in the relevant subject areas, the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, with regular, in-depth accounts of progress in particular fields of chemistry. Subject coverage within different volumes of a given title is similar and publication is on an annual or biennial basis.

Single-Molecule/Entity Spectroscopy is an indispensable resource for scientists interested in understanding single-molecule spectroscopy comprehensively. By presenting detailed information on the technique’s principles, discussing its diverse applications, and providing insights into future developments, researchers can acquire a holistic overview of this dynamic field without the need to consult an extensive array of individual papers. This primer bridges the gap between standard undergraduate coursework to practical implementation in the research lab for single-molecule spectroscopy.

The scope of this paper is to recall fundamental notions of the molecular spectroscopy and dynamics, necessary for discussion of photophysical and photochemical processes in condensed phases. We will thus treat in a more detailed way the specific features which are important for molecular systems strongly interacting with their environment. Other aspects such as the time evolution of isolated molecules, single-level excitation and state-to-state chemistry, important for the gas-phase photophysics are omitted. We start (Sec.2) with a brief description of radiative processes (light absorption and emission) in molecules. In the quantum-mechanical treatment of this problem, the appropriate basis is that of so-called zero-order states, corresponding to the traditional scheme of electronic states (singlets, doublets, triplets etc.) and vibrational levels belonging to each state. The important point will be deduction of selection rules for most radiative transitions. At this stage all molecular states are considered as stationary states. In order to treat the breakdown of simple selection rules and non-radiative transitions between individual molecular states, it is necessary to take into account the mechanisms coupling the zero-order states (Sec.3). We will first focus on intramolecular coupling effects and then discuss the solvent effects on intramolecular relaxation processes. The problem of the non-radiative transfer of the electronic energy between different molecules - closely related to that of the energy dissipation within a single molecule will be treated in Sec.4.