Themed collection Developments in Ultrafast Spectroscopy
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Developments in ultrafast spectroscopy
Guest editors, Chantal Daniel, Luis Banares, Spiridoula Matsika and Jin Zhao, introduce this Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics themed issue.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 12082-12082
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP90063G
Ultrafast processes: coordination chemistry and quantum theory
The correlation between electronic densities and active molecular vibrations drives the spin–vibronic mechanism of ultrafast decays in coordination chemistry.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 43-58
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP05116K
High-performance Ruddlesden–Popper two-dimensional perovskite solar cells via solution processed inorganic charge transport layers
Long-term stability and suppressed power-conversion efficiency degradation achieved with inorganic charge transport layers.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 15912-15919
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP02033E
Femtosecond dynamics of stepwise two-photon ionization in solutions as revealed by pump–repump–probe detection with a burst mode of photoexcitation
Pump–repump–probe spectroscopy with a burst mode of photoexcitation was applied to the direct observation of the photoionization dynamics of perylene in the solution phase.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 14187-14197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03866D
Hot carrier relaxation in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals: electron–hole asymmetry and shape effects
In this work, the hot carrier relaxation processes in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals were studied through ab initio non-adiabatic molecular dynamics simulations.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 9891-9896
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP00634K
Modulating the spectroscopy and dynamics of a proton-transfer dye by functionalizing with phenyl groups
DP-HPPI displays a reversible ESIPT reaction in DCM and breaking of intramolecular H-bonds in ACN.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 6828-6835
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05294B
Excited state absorption of DNA bases in the gas phase and in chloroform solution: a comparative quantum mechanical study
We report a benchmark of excited state absorption of the four DNA bases using ab initio (EOM-CCSD, EOM-CC3) and TD-CAM-B3LYP methods, in the gas phase and in chloroform, a step towards the interpretation of time-resolved absorption spectra in solution.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 4987-5000
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04340D
Effects of oxygen vacancies on the photoexcited carrier lifetime in rutile TiO2
The photoexcited carrier lifetime in semiconductors plays a crucial role in solar energy conversion processes.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 4743-4750
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04248C
Vibrationally resolved absorption spectra and ultrafast exciton dynamics in α-phase and β-phase zinc phthalocyanine aggregates
Vibrationally resolved absorption spectra in α-phase and β-phase zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) aggregates.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2974-2987
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03600A
Circularly polarized light-induced potentials and the demise of excited states
The alignment perpendicular to the field of the molecular axis in dissociative excited states of single electron molecules, prevents quantum control by bond hardening. However, using circularly polarized fields, one can circumvent this problem.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 2966-2973
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04523G
Intrachain photophysics of a donor–acceptor copolymer
Ultrafast photophysics in the single chain of a PM6 is studied. The time evolution of locally excited (LE) and charge-transfer (CT)/separated (CS) states depends on the chain length highlighting effects of chain foldings on generating carriers.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1982-1992
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04093F
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Role of conical intersection seam topography in the chemiexcitation of 1,2-dioxetanes
Chemiexcitation of 1,2-dioxetanes is initiated by the cleavage of the O–O bond, then the molecule enters a region where nonadiabatic transitions to excited states are feasible. Does the surface topography explain chemiexcitation yield differences?
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1638-1653
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05028A
Ultrafast and efficient energy transfer in a one- and two-photon sensitized rhodamine-BODIPY dyad: a perspective for broadly absorbing photocages
A novel tandem design of sensitized BODIPY photolabile protecting groups is presented and characterized by combined spectroscopic and computational studies, paving the way for a new generation of functionalized photoactive compounds.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1795-1802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04528H
Electronic relaxation and dissociation dynamics in formaldehyde: pump wavelength dependence
The effect of the incident UV pump wavelength on the subsequent excited state dynamics, electronic relaxation, and ultimate dissociation of formaldehyde is studied using first principles simulation and Coulomb explosion imaging (CEI) experiments.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1779-1786
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04264E
Modelling quenching mechanisms of disordered molecular systems in the presence of molecular aggregates
A macroscopic model of exciton density decays in disordered molecular systems, including contributions from molecular aggregate quenchers, is proposed. The model can be applied to ultrafast decays of dyes and for global fitting of experimental data.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 1787-1794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04260B
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Terahertz pump–probe of liquid water at 12.3 THz
The excitation on the librational band of liquid water at 12.3 THz resonates with the rotationally-damped motion of water molecules.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 653-665
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03207K
The states that hide in the shadows: the potential role of conical intersections in the ground state unimolecular decay of a Criegee intermediate
The ground state unimolecular decay of Criegee intermediates may potentially be influenced by conical intersections.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 532-540
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02601A
Ultrafast molecular dynamics in ionized 1- and 2-propanol: from simple fragmentation to complex isomerization and roaming mechanisms
Photoexcitation of 1- and 2-propanol initiates a variety of molecular dynamics such as fragmentation, hydrogen migration, and even possible methyl roaming (only in 2-propanol).
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 433-443
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04011A
Time-resolved relaxation and cage opening in diamondoids following XUV ultrafast ionization
Ultrafast vibrational dynamics induced by XUV excitation was investigated in diamondoids using HHG light source.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 27477-27483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03502A
Ballistic ΔS = 2 intersystem crossing in a cobalt cubane following ligand-field excitation probed by extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy
Time resolved M2,3-edge XANES spectroscopy of the Co4O4 cubane reveals ultrafast intersystem crossing into a quintet state within 38 fs.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 26990-26996
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP04136C
Time- and momentum-resolved image-potential states of 2H-MoS2 surface
Rydberg-like image potential states (IPSs) form special series surface states on metal and semiconducting surfaces.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 26336-26342
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03527D
Femtosecond photodecarbonylation of photo-ODIBO studied by stimulated Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory
Photo-oxa-dibenzocyclooctyne (Photo-ODIBO) undergoes photodecarbonylation under UV excitation to its bright S2 state, forming a highly reactive alkyne, ODIBO.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 25637-25648
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03512F
Understanding the mechanism of plasmon-driven water splitting: hot electron injection and a near field enhancement effect
Both hot electron injection and a near field enhancement effects on water splitting reaction at the nanoscale are investigated by the hybird FDTD/TDDFT approach.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 25629-25636
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03509F
Ultrafast relaxation investigated by photoelectron circular dichroism: an isomeric comparison of camphor and fenchone
We study the isomeric effects using time resolved photoelectron circular dichroism (TR-PECD).
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 25612-25628
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03569J
Investigation of nonadiabatic dynamics in the photolysis of methyl nitrate (CH3ONO2) by on-the-fly surface hopping simulation
Photolysis reaction channels of CH3ONO2 are obtained in the nonadiabatic dynamics simulations.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 25597-25611
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03226G
Ultrafast photoelectron spectroscopy of photoexcited aqueous ferrioxalate
The photochemistry of metal–organic compounds in solution is determined by both intra- and inter-molecular relaxation processes after photoexcitation.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 25308-25316
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02872C
Coherent internal conversion from high lying electronic states to S1 in boron-dipyrromethene derivatives
Coherent internal conversion between higher electronic excited states is observed directly by excitation of molecules to Sn (n ≥ 2) state and detection of fluorescence from S1 state by wave-packet-resolved time-resolved fluorescence.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 25200-25209
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03513D
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Determining the photostability of avobenzone in sunscreen formulation models using ultrafast spectroscopy
We explore how ultrafast spectroscopy can be utilised to predict the longer-term efficacy of avobenzone in sunscreen formulation models.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 24439-24448
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03610F
Ultrafast photochemistry of a molybdenum carbonyl–nitrosyl complex with a triazacyclononane coligand
The photochemistry of a molybdenum complex bearing both carbonyl and nitrosyl ligands is investigated by ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations with the goal to elucidate possibilities of photoinduced ligand release.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 24187-24199
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03514B
Exciton delocalization length in chlorosomes investigated by lineshape dynamics of two-dimensional electronic spectra
The spectral and temporal profiles of exciton delocalization length in chlorosomes are determined with two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 24111-24117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03413H
Toward Å–fs–meV resolution in electron microscopy: systematic simulation of the temporal spread of single-electron packets
Effects of experimental parameters – including laser pulse duration, photon energy, aperture diameter, and cathode size – on single-electron temporal resolution are explored via particle-tracer simulations in ultrafast electron microscopy.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 23544-23553
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03518E
Ellipticity controlled dissociative double ionization of ethane by strong fields
The ellipticity of a laser can control the dissociation pathways of ethane dications produced by strong fields.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 23537-23543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03585A
Trajectory surface hopping molecular dynamics simulations for retinal protonated Schiff-base photoisomerization
A global-switching trajectory surface hopping method on TDDFT potential energy surfaces has been used to simulate complex conical intersection networks and to predict photoproduct quantum yield distributions for a real RPSB system.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 23861-23874
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03401D
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Effects of substituent position on aminobenzoate relaxation pathways in solution
Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals the excited state dynamics of meta- and para-methyl anthranilate in solution. Implicit solvent computational methods insufficiently model these systems's behaviour, implying the need for explicit solvent models.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 23242-23255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03759E
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Ultrafast evolution of the complex dielectric function of monolayer WS2 after photoexcitation
This study provides the basis for the reliable and quantitative comparison of experimentally determined exciton dynamics in TMDCs from independent femtosecond time-resolved optical spectroscopy experiments on different samples and substrates.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 22640-22646
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03437E
Selecting two-photon sequential ionization pathways in H2 through harmonic filtering
A frequency filter enhances ionization–excitation versus excitation–ionization, suppressing channels that prevent the extraction of the dynamical information in an experiment.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 22395-22403
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03449A
An efficient implementation of spin–orbit coupling within the framework of semiempirical orthogonalization-corrected methods for ultrafast intersystem crossing dynamics
We implement spin–orbit coupling (SOC) within the framework of the OMx/CIS method and then incorporate it into Tully's fewest switches surface hopping algorithm to enable excited-state nonadiabatic dynamics simulations.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 22313-22323
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP03477D
Ultrafast vibrational wave packet dynamics of the aqueous tyrosyl radical anion induced by photodetachment
Ultrafast vibrational wave packet dynamics of the tyrosyl radical anion provide insight into sub-picosecond structural rearrangements induced by ionizing radiation.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 18525-18534
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02975D
Ultrafast “end-on”-to-“side-on” binding-mode isomerization of an iron–carbon dioxide complex
Femtosecond UV/MIR spectroscopy reveals the binding mode isomerization of an iron–carbon dioxide complex following the impulsive photolysis of iron oxalate precursor.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 17826-17835
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP02300D
Interfacial photoinduced carrier dynamics tuned by polymerization of coronene molecules encapsulated in carbon nanotubes: bridging type-I and type-II heterojunctions
Theoretical studies demonstrate that the polymerization degree of molecules encapsulated in carbon nanotubes can be used to tune their interfacial and optoelectrical properties.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2021,23, 13503-13511
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP01008E
About this collection
This collection aims at promoting the ability of attosecond-to-picosecond laser pulses to decipher ultrafast dynamics of charge carriers, atoms and molecules in gas and condensed phases. The scope of this themed collection is designed to disseminate state-of-the-art theoretical and experimental developments, and to demonstrate their potential in the interpretation and prediction of a variety of processes at the physics-chemistry-biology-materials frontiers. By exploring the intimacy of matter, ultrafast spectroscopy not only provides detailed structural understanding but also in-depth knowledge of the processes that control primary functions, either at the atomic and molecular scale or in specific environments. Guest edited by Chantal Daniel (University of Strasbourg, France), Luis Banares (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain), Spiridoula Matsika (Temple University, USA) and Jin Zhao (University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei).