Femtosecond spectroscopy azobenzenes

Bahrenburg J, Renth E, Temps E, Plumper E, Richtering W (2014) Femtosecond spectroscopy reveals huge differences in the photoisomerisation dynamics betwetai azobenzenes linked to polymers and azobenzenes in solution. Phys Chem Chem Phys 16 11549-11554... 

Few publications on the spectroscopic and isomerization properties of simple azo compounds have appeared in the last 15 years, as compared to the decades before. There is, however, one exception Ultrashort time-resolved spectroscopy of azobenzene and its relatives has opened new access to the dynamics following pico- and femtosecond excitation. The results are most relevant for the mechanisms of the photophysical and photochemical processes, which in azoaromatic compounds primarily are isomerizations. There is, however, a host of newer investigations into the isomerization of azobenzene and its family that are directed to applications in photoswitchable systems and devices. Some of them are relevant for the understanding of the parent molecules and therefore are included in this chapter. 

Lednev, I. K., Ye, T.-Q., Hesteii R., and Moore, J. N. (1996). Femtosecond rime-resolved UV-visible absorption spectroscopy of trans-azobenzene in solution. /. Phys. Chem. 100, 13338-13341. 

Hamm, R, Ohline, S. M., and Zinth, W. (1997). Vibrational cooling after ultrafast photoisomerization of azobenzene measured by femtosecond infrared spectroscopy. /. Chvm. P ys. 106, 519-529. 

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