Aims

The course provides a thorough discussion of the use optical spectroscopy to study physical processes in molecules, of the properties of excited states and of excited processes. This will give the students the necessary theoretical background to understand and analyze spectroscopic measurements, which they will encounter during their research assignments.

The students can explain the linear and non-linear interactions occurring between UV-, visible and near-IR electromagnetic radiation and molecules both in a formalism of the transition dipole and the Lorentz model. They understand and can interpret the different optical responses. They can discriminate the different types of excited states and recognize their properties. They can relate excited state properties and decay channels to molecular structure. They can derive the expression governing excited state kinetics and evaluate their validity. They can discriminate the different types of electron and excitation transfer and relate them to spectroscopic properties. They can analyze experimental data of stationary and fast spectroscopy and relate them to excited state properties, excitation and electron transfer and excited state complex formation. They can evaluate most current techniques of stationary and fast spectroscopy. They can recognize exciton formation and predict the spectroscopic properties of molecular aggregates. They can interpret and construct correlation diagrams for simple photochemical reactions.

The students can apply the insight gained in the theoretical part of the course to understand synthetic and/or biological systems where light is converted into chemical or electrical energy or vice versa (OLED's, solar cells, molecular beacons, systems for information recording, xerographic or lithographic applications). For these systems they can relate photophysical and photochemical properties to their supra- and nanomolecular structure. The students can interpret spectroscopic measurements and apply this information to clarify molecular structure and properties.

They can summarize and explain and present a recent research paper on these systems and answer critical questions regarding this paper.

At the generic level the students are able to understand and critically judge the content and quality of scientific literature related to optical spectroscopy, photophysics and photochemistry. The students can find recent research articles on a given topic, study the specific topic in great depth for themselves, indicate the essentials and present these as course material for their fellow students.

Previous knowledge

The students know the principles and concepts of optical spectroscopy at a level corresponding to G0119A Spectroscopic measurement techniques.

Thorough knowledge of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, and physics (electrostatics, physical concepts of electromagnetic radiation) at the bachelor of chemistry level. 

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
G0I12C : Photophysics and Photochemistry of Molecular Materials (No longer offered this academic year)

Is included in these courses of study

• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Science (Leuven)
• Master of Chemistry (Leuven) 120 ects.