Nearest-neighbour model for transfer of electronic excitation energy

Abstract

Triplet–triplet, singlet–singlet, and triplet–singlet energy-transfer data are interpreted with a statistical model which assumes transfer from excited donor only to its nearest acceptor. Predictions of the model agree well with experimental luminescence-yield and lifetime measurements. Analysis of potential experimental errors shows the results from the nearest-neighbour model to be virtually indistinguishable from those of the best previous model, developed by Inokuti and Hirayama. This agreement lends quantitative support to the hypothesis that transfer probability decreases rapidly with donor–acceptor separation. The shape of the nearest-neighbour distribution function explains the partial success of the sphere-of-quenching model applied to co-solute exchange-transfer experiments.