Time-resolved Imaging of Photo-induced Dynamics: Faraday Discussion 228

Photo-induced processes are of tremendous importance in the natural world and across science, with new experimental techniques and theoretical models driving advances in this field. Examples include ultrafast process in vision, energy-release by water-splitting in photosynthesis, chemical reactions in the atmosphere, photocatalysis, and technologies such as petahertz electronics, photovoltaics, and light-emitting diodes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 634 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2021
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Photo-induced processes hold immense significance in the natural world and across various scientific disciplines. These processes encompass a wide range of phenomena, such as the incredibly fast processes in vision, the energy release through water splitting in photosynthesis, the chemical reactions in the atmosphere, photocatalysis, and the development of technologies like petahertz electronics, photovoltaics, and light-emitting diodes. Despite their intrinsic complexity, photo-induced processes remain the least understood category of physical and chemical processes. Researchers have recognized the importance of strong and weak laser-induced electron and nuclear dynamics on ultrafast time scales, nonadiabatic dynamics, quantum effects, and conical intersections. However, the complete picture of these processes is still unfolding, and a comprehensive understanding is yet to be assembled.

New experimental techniques, capable of monitoring photo-induced processes with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution throughout the entire reaction path, play a pivotal role in this ongoing research. These advancements are driven by the emergence of free-electron lasers, such as the XFEL in Europe, the LCLS (and soon LCLS-II) in the USA, SACLA in Japan, PAL in Korea, and Swiss-FEL in Switzerland, new sources of pulsed electrons, table-top-based attosecond laser sources, and advanced detection techniques.

Furthermore, significant contributions are made by advances in theory and computational modeling, particularly in the realm of (nonadiabatic) quantum dynamics simulations and theoretical models that enhance the interpretation and analysis of experimental results.

In this comprehensive volume, we explore various topics related to photo-induced processes, including:

Time-Resolved Diffraction: This field involves studying the temporal evolution of electron wavefunctions and their interactions with matter, providing insights into the dynamics of chemical reactions and molecular structures.

Time-Resolved Ultrafast Spectroscopy: This technique enables the observation of ultrafast electronic and molecular processes with sub-picosecond resolution, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of energy transfer and chemical reactions.

Strong-Field Physics: Photo-induced processes in strong magnetic fields offer unique opportunities to study quantum phenomena and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

Ultrafast X-ray Science: The application of ultrafast X-rays allows researchers to study the structure and dynamics of materials at the atomic level, providing valuable insights into the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

By delving into these topics and utilizing cutting-edge experimental and theoretical techniques, researchers aim to unravel the mysteries of photo-induced processes and advance our understanding of the complex interplay between light, matter, and energy in the natural world.

Weight: 1072g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839163876