Vibrational states fluorescence

Figure Al.6,8 shows the experimental results of Scherer et al of excitation of I2 using pairs of phase locked pulses. By the use of heterodyne detection, those authors were able to measure just the mterference contribution to the total excited-state fluorescence (i.e. the difference in excited-state population from the two units of population which would be prepared if there were no interference). The basic qualitative dependence on time delay and phase is the same as that predicted by the hannonic model significant interference is observed only at multiples of the excited-state vibrational frequency, and the relative phase of the two pulses detennines whether that interference is constructive or destructive.

Hamilton C E, Bierbaum V M and Leone S R 1985 Product vibrational state distributions of thermal energy charge transfer reactions determined by laser-induced fluorescence in a flowing afterglow Ar" + CC -> CC (v= 0-6) + Ar J. Chem. Rhys. 83 2284-92... 

Tunable visible and ultraviolet lasers were available well before tunable infrared and far-infrared lasers. There are many complexes that contain monomers with visible and near-UV spectra. The earliest experiments to give detailed dynamical infonnation on complexes were in fact those of Smalley et al [22], who observed laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of He-l2 complexes. They excited the complex in the I2 B <—A band, and were able to produce excited-state complexes containing 5-state I2 in a wide range of vibrational states. From line w idths and dispersed fluorescence spectra, they were able to study the rates and pathways of dissociation. Such work was subsequently extended to many other systems, including the rare gas-Cl2 systems, and has given quite detailed infonnation on potential energy surfaces [231. 

The excitation process may generate an excited molecule in any allowed vibrational state, but tbe excess vibrational energy is rapidly lost, and the excited state species may then emit a photon of frequency Vem, this singlet-singlet transition from the excited to ground state being fluorescence. 

Obviously, a great deal more information could be obtained if the isomeric ions could be probed spectroscopically. Vibrational states of the various isomers are not generally well known, but some structural information is available. Thus, the rotational structure of vibrational transitions may provide a better signature for particular isomers. Certainly, insufficient data are available about the potential surfaces of electronically excited states for electronic excitation to be used as a probe, e.g., as in the very sensitive laser induced fluorescence. At present, there are sensitivity limitations in the infrared region of the spectrum, but this may well be an avenue for the future. The study of isomeric systems and their potential surfaces has just begun ... 

The absorption and emission spectra of a fluorophore are bands spread over a range of wavelengths with at least one peak of maximal absorbance and emission that corresponds to the So-Si and Si—S0 transitions, respectively. There are several vibrational levels within an electronic state and transitions from one electronic to several vibrational states are potentially possible. This determines that the spectra are not sharp but consist of broad bands. The emission spectrum is independent of the excitation wavelength. The energy used to excite the fluorophore to higher electronic and vibrational levels is very rapidly dissipated, sending the fluorophore to the lowest vibrational level of the first electronic excited state (Si) from where the main fluorescent transition occurs [3] (see Fig. 6.1). 

Apart from molecular vibrations, also rotational states bear a significant influence on the appearance of vibrational spectra. Similar to electronic transitions that are influenced by the vibrational states of the molecules (e.g. fluorescence, Figure 3-f), vibrational transitions involve the rotational state of a molecule. In the gas phase the rotational states may superimpose a rotational fine structure on the (mid-)IR bands, like the multitude of narrow water vapour absorption bands. In condensed phases, intermolecular interactions blur the rotational states, resulting in band broadening and band shifting effects rather than isolated bands. 

Figure 3. Energy schemata of transitions involving vibrational states (a excitation of 1st vibrational state - mid-IR absorption b excitation of overtone vibrations - near-IR absorptions c elastic scattering - Rayleigh lines d Raman scattering - Stokes lines e Raman scattering - Anti-Stokes lines f fluorescence).

Another technique that often utilises the UV spectral range is Fluorescence Spectroscopy, ft also relies on a UV excitation, and subsequent emission perpendicular to the incident beam (see Figure 7.9). The emission can either take place with the same frequency (resonance fluorescence) or at a lower frequency (stimulated fluorescence). The latter phenomenon is rooted in the ability of the UV excited state to interact with the local enviromnent, typically through the excitation of vibrational states of the surrounding part of the protein molecule or of the solvent molecules. 

Abstract Ultrafast photoreactions in PNS of PYP have been studied by means of fs fluorescence up conversion method. Conclusions obtained are (a) Photoreaction in PNS (chromophore twisting) occurs from vibrationally unrelaxed fluorescence state and coherent oscillations in the fluorescence decay curves have been observed for the first time, (b) Comparative studies on fluorescence dynamics of mutants and w.-t. PYP have proved that the w.-t. PYP is best engineered for the ultrafast reaction, (c) The coherent oscillations in the fluorescence decay completely disappeared and the reaction was much slower in the denatured state, demonstrating the supremely important role of PNS for the photoreaction. 

Figure I. The time-dependent Na2 fluorescence signal, F(t), following excitation of the Xg ground state by a 1200 cm-1 wide pulse. 444-90 points strobed for the inversion procedure. The data is for the X - B case with pure radiative decay. The pulse, whose center frequency is 22,400 cm-1, simultaneously excites the 46 to 4is Na2(B ID vibrational states.

Fluorescence experiments are useful for establishing k23. However, photochemical experiments are necessary to obtain information concerning the products of that reaction. The emission lines at 2265 and 2144 A of the cadmium arc selectively excite the ground- and first-vibrational states, respectively, of the A2 + electronic state. Therefore,... 

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