Quantum equilibration of the double-proton transfer in a model system porphine

The equilibration of the double proton transfer in porphine is demonstrated using a model system Hamiltonian. This highly coherent process could be witnessed experimentally using state-of-the-art femtosecond spectroscopy.

Femtosecond Spectroscopy of Au Hot-Electron Injection into TiO2: Evidence for Au/TiO2 Plasmon Photocatalysis by Bactericidal Au Ions and Related Phenomena

In the present work, we provide evidence for visible light irradiation of the Au/TiO2 nanoparticles’ surface plasmon resonance band (SPR) leading to electron injection from the Au nanoparticles to the conduction band of TiO2. The Au/TiO2 SPR band is shown to greatly enhance the light absorption of TiO2 in the visible region. Evidence is presented for the light absorption by the Au/TiO2 plasmon bands leading to the dissolution of Au nanoparticles. This dissolution occurs concomitantly with the injection of the hot electrons generated by the Au plasmon into the conduction band of TiO2. The electron injection from the Au nanoparticles into TiO2 was followed by femtosecond spectroscopy. The formation of Au ions was further confirmed by the spectral shift of the transient absorption spectra of Au/TiO2. The spectral changes of the SPR band of Au/TiO2 nanoparticles induced by visible light were detected by spectrophotometer, and the morphological transformation of Au/TiO2 was revealed by electron microscopy techniques as well. Subsequently, the fate of the Au ions was sorted out during the growth and biofilm formation for some selected Gram-negative bacteria. This study compares the bactericidal mechanism of Au ions and Ag ions, which were found to be substantially different depending on the selected cell used as a probe.

Delocalized excitons and interaction effects in extremely dilute thermal ensembles

Long-range interparticle interactions are revealed in extremely dilute thermal atomic ensembles using highly sensitive nonlinear femtosecond spectroscopy.

Ultrafast spin crossover in a single crystal

Femtosecond spectroscopy and electron diffraction are used to characterize spin crossover in single crystal iron(II)-tris(bipyridine)-bis(hexafluorophosphate). The high-spin lifetime is reduced compared to in solution. Preliminary electron diffraction experiments show evidence of ultrafast Fe-N bond elongation associated with spin crossover and the subsequent molecular reorganization resulting from vibrational cooling.

Ultrafast spectroscopic investigation on fluorescent carbon nanodots: the role of passivation

Femtosecond spectroscopy allows to clarify the role of passivation on the fluorescence of carbon nanodots and reveals the lack of interplay between core and surface electronic states.