Femtosecond Polarization Switching in the Crystal of a [CrCo] Dinuclear Complex

Capability to control macroscopic molecular properties with external stimuli offers the possibility to exploit molecules as switching devices of various types. However, application of such molecular‐level switching has often been limited by its speed and thus efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate ultrafast, photoinduced polarization switching in the crystal of a [CrCo] dinuclear complex by ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy in the visible and mid‐infrared regions. The photoinduced polarization switching was found to have a time constant of 280 fs, which makes the [CrCo] complex crystal the fastest polarization‐switching material realized using the metastable state. Moreover, the pump–probe data in the visible region reveal the pronounced appearance of coherent nuclear wavepacket motion with a frequency as low as 22 cm^?1, which we attribute to a lattice vibrational mode. The pronounced non‐Condon effect for its resonance Raman enhancement implies that this mode couples the relevant electronic states, thereby facilitating the ultrafast polarization switching.     

Ultrafast dynamics of myoglobin probed by time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy

Recent experimental work carried out in this laboratory on the ultrafast dynamics of myoglobin (Mb) is summarized with a stress on structural and vibrational energy relaxation. Studies on the structural relaxation of Mb following CO photolysis revealed that the structural change of heme itself, caused by CO photodissociation, is completed within the instrumental response time of the time-resolved resonance Raman apparatus used (approximately 2 ps). In contrast, changes in the intensity and frequency of the iron-histidine (Fe-His) stretching mode upon dissociation of the trans ligand were found to occur in the picosecond regime. The Fe-His band is absent for the CO-bound form, and its appearance upon photodissociation was not instantaneous, in contrast with that observed in the vibrational modes of heme, suggesting appreciable time evolution of the Fe displacement from the heme plane. The band position of the Fe-His stretching mode changed with a time constant of about 100 ps, indicating that tertiary structural changes of the protein occurred in a 100-ps range. Temporal changes of the anti-Stokes Raman intensity of the v4 and v7 bands demonstrated immediate generation of vibrationally excited heme upon the photodissociation and decay of the excited populations, whose time constants were 1.1 +/- 0.6 and 1.9 +/- 0.6 ps, respectively. In addition, the development of the time-resolved resonance Raman apparatus and prospects in this research field are described.     

Ultrafast Structural Fluctuations of Myoglobin‐Bound Thiocyanate and Selenocyanate Ions Measured with Two‐Dimensional Infrared Photon Echo Spectroscopy

Structural dynamics within the distal cavity of myoglobin protein is investigated using 2D‐IR and IR pump–probe spectroscopy of the N≡C stretch modes of heme‐bound thiocyanate and selenocyanate ions. Although myoglobin‐bound thiocyanate group shows a doublet in its IR absorption spectrum, no cross peaks originating from chemical exchange between the two components are observed in the time‐resolved 2D IR spectra within the experimental time window. Frequency–frequency correlation functions of the two studied anionic ligands are obtained by means of a few different analysis approaches; these functions were then used to elucidate the differences in structural fluctuation around ligand, ligand–protein interactions, and the degree of structural heterogeneity within the hydrophobic pocket of these myoglobin complexes.     

Molecular dynamics with restrictions derived from optical spectra

The information about molecular structure coded in the optical spectra must often be deciphered by complicated computational procedures. A combination of spectral modeling with the molecular dynamic simulations makes the process simpler, by implicit accounting for the inhomogeneous band broadening and Boltzmann averaging of many conformations. Ideally, geometries of studied systems can be deduced by a direct confrontation of such modeling with the experiment. In this work, the comparison is enhanced by restrictions to molecular dynamics propagations based on the Raman and Raman optical activity spectra. The methodology is introduced and tested on model systems comprising idealized H(2)O(2), H(2)O(3) molecules, and the alanine zwitterion. An additional gradient term based on the spectral overlap smoothed by Fourier transformation is constructed and added to the molecular energy during the molecular dynamics run. For systems with one prevalent conformation the method did allow to enrich the Boltzmann ensemble by a spectroscopically favored structure. For systems with multiconformational equilibria families preferential conformations can be selected. An alternative algorithm based on the comparison of the averaged spectra with the reference enabling iterative updates of the conformer probabilities provided even more distinct distributions in shorter times. It also accounts for multiconformer equilibria and provided realistic spectra and conformer distribution for the alanine.     

The performance of explicitly correlated methods for the computation of anharmonic vibrational frequencies

Anharmonic vibrational frequencies for closed-shell molecules computed with CCSD(T)-F12b/aug-cc-pVTZ differ from significantly more costly composite energy methods by a mean absolute error (MAE) of 7.5 cm⁻¹ per fundamental frequency. Comparison to a few available gas phase experimental modes, however, actually lowers the MAE to 6.0 cm⁻¹. Open-shell molecules have an MAE of nearly a factor of six greater. Hence, open-shell molecular anharmonic frequencies cannot be as well-described with only explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory as their closed-shell brethren. As a result, the use of quartic force fields and vibrational perturbation theory can be opened to molecules with six or more atoms, whereas previously such computations were limited to molecules of five or fewer atoms. This will certainly assist in studies of more chemically interesting species, especially for atmospheric and interstellar infrared spectroscopic characterization.     

双色双共振-多光子电离光谱研究小分子的碰撞诱导转动能量转移

用双色双共振多光子电离光谱方法测量了NO分子A~(2∑+)(v=0)态的转动能量转移,得到了由R-F能量转移导致的转动可分辨的弛豫光谱,计算了转动态-态转移速率常数。用以转移能量为基础的指数和幂指数能隙模型,对碰撞弛豫态分布进行计算机模拟,并从计算值与实验值的比较讨论了能隙模型存在的不足。用同法对I_2分子B∏(O_u~+)态的测量,得到由转动能量转移导致的谱线展宽及交叠并作了分析。     

双色双共振-多光子电离光谱研究小分子的碰撞诱导转动能量转移

用双色双共振多光子电离光谱方法测量了NO分子A~(2∑+)(v=0)态的转动能量转移, 得到了由R-F能量转移导致的转动可分辨的弛豫光谱, 计算了转动态-态转移速率常数。用以转移能量为基础的指数和幂指数能隙模型, 对碰撞弛豫态分布进行计算机模拟, 并从计算值与实验值的比较讨论了能隙模型存在的不足。用同法对I_2分子B∏(O_u~+)态的测量, 得到由转动能量转移导致的谱线展宽及交叠并作了分析。     

A Highly Sensitive Femtosecond Time-Resolved Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy System with Simultaneous Measurement of Multiple Polarization Combinations

Characterization of real-time and ultrafast motions of the complex molecules at surface and interface is critical to understand how interfacial molecules function. It requires to develop surface-sensitive, fast-identification, and time-resolved techniques. In this study, we employ several key technical procedures and successfully develop a highly sensitive femtosecond time-resolved sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) system. This system is able to measure the spectra with two polarization combinations (ssp and ppp, or psp and ssp) simultaneously. It takes less than several seconds to collect one spectrum. To the best of our knowledge, it is the fastest speed of collecting SFG spectra reported by now. Using the time-resolved measurement, ultrafast vibrational dynamics of the N-H mode of α-helical peptide at water interface is determined. It is found that the membrane environment does not affect the N-H vibrational relaxation dynamics. It is expected that the time-resolved SFG system will play a vital role in the deep understanding of the dynamics and interaction of the complex molecules at surface and interface. Our method may also provide an important technical proposal for the people who plan to develop time-resolved SFG systems with simultaneous measurement of multiple polarization combinations.     

Quantum dynamics of vibration–vibration energy transfer for vibrationally excited HF colliding with H2

The rate constants for H₂–HF energy transfer processes, especially for those in vibrationally excited states, are very demanding in astrophysics and chemical laser engineering, especially for those in vibrationally excited states. Based on our recent potential energy surface, we used the coupled-states approximation including the nearest neighboring Coriolis couplings with energy-based local basis set to perform dynamics calculation for the H₂–HF energy transfer system. Rate constants for vibrational transitions (1; 3) → (0; 4), (1; 3) → (2; 2), and (0; 3) → (1; 2) were obtained. For state-to-state rate constants, transitions that have no internal angular momentum gap dominate at high temperatures. The vibrational-resolved rate constant for (1; 3) → (0; 4) initially decreases and then increases with the temperature, while those for (1; 3) → (2; 2), and (0; 3) → (1; 2) transitions monotonically increase. The calculated rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental results. These dynamical data can be further applied to the numerical simulation of hydrogen fluoride chemical laser. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Quantum manifestations of classical trajectories in molecular systems

Quantum chaos, understood as the effect of the underlying classical dynamics on the stationary quantum properties in classically chaotic systems, is examined in two molecular floppy systems. Realistic models of two degrees of freedom for HO₂ and HCN/HNC are considered. The structure of the classical phase space is studied using Poincaré surfaces of section and the dynamical characteristics of the corresponding wave functions analyzed also in phase space with the aid of Husimi functions. Some wave functions show strong localization along periodic orbits. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001     

Terahertz Time‐Domain Spectroscopy of Gases,Liquids, and Solids

The techniques and methods employed in the spectroscopic characterization of gases, liquids, and solids in the terahertz frequency range are reviewed. Terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy is applied to address a broadband frequency range between 100 GHz and 5 THz with a sub‐10 GHz frequency resolution. The unique spectral absorption features measured can be efficiently used in material identification and sensing. Possibilities and limitations of fundamental and industrial applications are discussed.     

Concentration‐Dependent Hydrogen‐Bonding Effects on the Dimethyl Sulfoxide Vibrational Structure in the Presence of Water,Methanol, and Ethanol

The effects of hydrogen bonding between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and the co‐solvents water, methanol, and ethanol on the symmetric and antisymmetric CSC stretching vibrations of DMSO are investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra are recorded as a function of co‐solvent concentration and reflect changes in structure and polarizability as well as hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor ability. In all cases studied a nonideal mixing behavior is observed. The spectra of the DMSO/water system show blue‐shifted CSC stretching modes. The antisymmetric frequencies are always further blue‐shifted than the symmetric stretching ones. The DMSO/methanol system also features blue‐shifted CSC stretching frequencies but at high mole fractions a pronounced red shifting is observed. In the binary DMSO/ethanol system, the co‐solvent also gives rise to blue shifts of the CSC stretching frequencies but restricted to mole fractions between x=0.38 and 0.45. The different magnitudes and occurrences of both blue‐ and red‐shifted spectral lines are comprehensively and critically discussed with respect to the existing literature concerning wavenumbers and Raman intensities in both absolute and normalized values. In particular, the normalized Raman intensities show a higher sensitivity for the nonideal mixing behavior because they are independent of the mole fraction.     

The Effect of Dispersion on the Structure of Diphenyl Ether Aggregates

Dispersion interactions can play an important role in understanding unusual binding behaviors. This is illustrated by a systematic study of the structural preferences of diphenyl ether (DPE)–alcohol aggregates, for which OH???O‐bound or OH???π‐bound isomers can be formed. The investigation was performed through a multi‐spectroscopic approach including IR/UV and microwave methods, combined with a detailed theoretical analysis. The resulting solvent‐size‐dependent trend for the structural preference turns out to be counter‐intuitive: the hydrogen‐bonded OH???O structures become more stable for larger alcohols, which are expected to be stronger dispersion energy donors and thus should prefer an OH???π arrangement. Dispersion interactions in combination with the twisting of the ether upon solvent aggregation are key for understanding this preference.     

Vibrational spectra of volatile inorganic hydrides in the liquid state

The results of studies of IR and Raman spectra of volatile inorganic hydrides of Group IV–VI and Periods 3 and 4 elements in the liquid state are surveyed and analyzed. The mechanisms of intermolecular interactions in these liquids are discussed. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 629–644, April, 1999.     

凝聚相中振动能量弛豫的理论研究

凝聚相中的振动能量弛豫是化学、物理学和生物学中一个非常重要的动力学过程.近年来, 许多实验和理论方法业已建立并用来探索它的微观机理.本文简要介绍一些常用理论方法及其应用,并对将来的发展方向作一展望.     

凝聚态化学研究中的动力学振动光谱理论与技术

化学变化的本质是化学键的形成与断裂。凝聚态化学的主要特征是分子内的物理与化学过程与周围环境之间的动态相互作用和动力学耦合,不仅会影响化学键形成与断裂的化学反应平衡与反应速率,还会改变化学反应的走向。动力学振动光谱技术是探测凝聚态体相中与表面上各种微观分子细节最为有力的当代谱学表征技术之一。与脉冲核磁技术类似,科学家们使用一组精心设计的激光脉冲在凝聚态体系中激发复杂的光学响应,所产生的信号中包含了比传统吸收光谱丰富得多的反应机理、分子与溶液结构、分子运动、电荷与能量传递等微观信息。近年来,各种动力学振动光谱被运用于凝聚态化学的各个领域,尤其是在溶液态和表界面态领域,获得了一系列突破性进展,并且处于不断发展的过程之中。在本文中,我们将回顾及展望动力学振动光谱技术的基本概念、实验方法和理论框架,以及它们在凝聚态及表面态化学中的重要应用。     

Ultrafast 2D-IR spectroscopy of transient species.

Multidimensional spectroscopic experiments offer fascinating insights into molecular structure and dynamics in the field of NMR spectroscopy. With the introduction of ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D-IR), multidimensional concepts have entered the optical domain, measuring couplings and correlations between molecular vibrations with femtosecond time resolution. In the transient 2D-IR (T2D-IR) experiments described in this minireview we exploit the high time resolution of 2D-IR to study transient species during fast nonequilibrium processes in real time. Information on molecular structure and dynamics is obtained that is not available from one-dimensional spectroscopy. We discuss examples from chemistry, physics and biophysics.     

基于超快多维振动光谱技术解析分子体系的三维空间构型

超快多维振动光谱技术目前已经被广泛应用到各种凝聚态分子体系中分子的结构以及快速变化动力学过程的测量之中,并有望成为新一代解析分子体系微观结构及超快行为的常规手段。本文从两个主线出发,介绍如何利用超快多维振动光谱技术解析分子体系的三维空间构型。一方面通过测量分子内各个振动模式跃迁偶极矩间的夹角来获得分子体系内不同基团的相对空间取向,并最终确定分子的空间构型。另一方面,通过详细解析分子间振动能量转移的机理,进而将实验中测得的振动能量转移速率转化为分子之间的距离信息。     

Vibrational Coupling between Organic and Inorganic Sublattices of Hybrid Perovskites

The interplay of electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom in semiconductor hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites determines many of their fundamental photophysical properties. For instance, charge carriers are dressed with phonons, that is, form polarons, and combination modes composed of strongly mixed localized vibrations and delocalized phonons can provide pathways for electronic energy relaxation and dissipation. Mixing of the different types of nuclear motion in vibrational combination modes requires their strong coupling. The direct measurement of coupling between the high‐frequency N?H stretch modes of the organic methylammonium and formamidinium ions and low‐frequency Pb?I phonon modes of the inorganic sub‐lattice in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites is presented. The results reveal direct and substantial coupling between the non‐covalently interacting organic and inorganic sub‐lattices.     

The Cage Structure of IndanCHF3 is Based on the Cooperative Effects of CH⋅⋅⋅π and CH⋅⋅⋅F Weak Hydrogen Bonds

The structural and energetic features of the C?H???π interaction and the internal dynamics of the CHF₃ group change drastically in going from benzene?CHF₃ to indan?CHF₃, according to the analysis of the rotational spectrum of the latter complex generated in a supersonic expansion.