Future perspectives of nonadiabatic chemical dynamics

Abstract

A variety of chemical phenomena are governed by non-adiabatic transitions at conical intersections of potential energy surfaces, if not directly, but indirectly in the midst of the processes. In other words, the non-adiabatic transition makes one of the most significant key mechanisms in chemical dynamics. Since the basic analytical theory is now available to treat the transitions, it is possible to comprehend the dynamics of realistic chemical and biological systems with the effects of transitions taken into account properly. Another important quantum mechanical effect of tunneling can also be taken into account. Furthermore, it becomes feasible to control chemical dynamics by controlling the non-adiabatic transitions at conical intersections, and also to develop new molecular functions by using peculiar properties of non-adiabatic transitions. These may be realized, if we apply appropriately designed laser fields. This perspective review article explains the above mentioned ideas based on the authors' recent activities. The non-adiabatic chemical dynamics is expected to open a new dimension of chemistry.