Electron-phonon and vibronic couplings in the FMO bacteriochlorophyll a antenna complex studied by difference fluorescence line narrowing

The electron-phonon and vibronic couplings governing the spectral properties have been studied in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a)-protein complex at 4.5 K using a spectrally selective difference fluorescence line-narrowing technique. The complex is a part of the light-harvesting system of green photosynthetic bacteria. Its lowest-energy absorption band, peaking at 826 nm and responsible for the fluorescence, is believed to be due to Q_y transitions of largely isolated molecules. One of the main merits of the used method compared with the more common fluorescence line narrowing is that the zero-phonon lines (ZPL) resonant with the excitation laser can be accurately measured, allowing precise determination of the Huang-Rhys (HR) factors, the main characteristics of the linear electron-phonon and vibronic coupling strengths. Over 60 individual vibrational modes of intra- and intermolecular origin have been resolved in the energy range of 45-1600 cm⁻¹. The small HR factors for these modes, ranging between 0.001 and 0.018, add up to a value of S_vib=0.38±0.07. The effective HR factor for the phonons, S_ph, was found clearly wavelength-dependent, varying from ∼0.7 at short wavelengths to ∼0.3 at the long-wavelength tail of the absorption spectrum. Coupling between the BChl a molecules is likely responsible for this wavelength dependence.     

Calculation and interpretation of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of indole in the isolated state and aqueous solution

We have calculated the vibronic absorption and fluorescence spectra of the first (¹ L _b ) and second (¹ L _a ) electronic transitions of indole in the isolated state and aqueous solution. The vibrational structure of the absorption and fluorescence spectra has been interpreted. The influence of the aqueous solution on the vibronic spectra has been shown.     

Fluorescence and fluorescence excitation spectra of jet-cooled carbazole

The fluorescence excitation spectra of jet-cooled carbazole molecules at vibrational temperatures of 55 and 80 K and the fluorescence spectrum of these molecules excited by radiation at the frequency of a pure electronic transition are measured. As the vibrational temperature increases, the excitation spectra exhibit a series of lines of the same symmetry, which are caused by the interaction of the active vibration with a subensemble of optically inactive vibrations. The final symmetry of the totally and nontotally symmetric vibrations is determined from the shape of the rotational contours of the lines of vibronic transitions. The values of a decrease in the frequency of the nontotally symmetric vibrations in the first excited electronic state S ₁ due to their interaction with the electronic state S ₂ are calculated to be up to 100 cm^?1. The frequencies of the pure electronic transitions in the absorption and fluorescence spectra coincide with each other and are equal to 30809 cm^?1, the frequencies of vibrations in the ground state S ₀ exceeding the frequencies of the corresponding vibrations in the excited state S ₁. The degree of polarization of the integral fluorescence is determined for a series of vibronic transitions of the a ₁ and b ₂ final symmetry that are observed in the fluorescence excitation spectra, and the contribution of the intensity with the borrowed polarization θ_⊥ to the integral fluorescence is calculated. It is found that the intensity θ_⊥ is higher for the transitions of the b ₂ symmetry and can reach ≈50%.     

Comparative analysis of intramolecular interactions in trans-stilbene and 1,4-distyrylbenzene

We have analyzed the intensity distributions in fine-structure fluorescence and fluorescence excitation spectra of trans-stilbene in n-hexane at 4.2 K. Modeling the spectra by representing each of the vibronic transitions by a zero-phonon line and a phonon wing with certain parameters (widths, Debye-Waller factors) made it possible to determine relative intensities of vibronic transitions. The parameters of Franck-Condon and Herzberg-Teller interactions, which form the fine-structure spectra of stilbene, have been calculated and compared with previously obtained parameters of intramolecular interactions in 1,4-distyrylbenzene.     

Fluorescence excitation spectra of jet-cooled amino-phthalimides

We report the fluorescence excitation spectra of the ππ¹ transition of jet-cooled 3-amino-, 3-amino-N-methyl-, and 4-amino-N-methyl-phthalimide. The spectra are dominated by a long progression of a vibrational mode v' ≈ 210 cm^-1 in combination with a few vibrational fundamentals of the excited state. The long electronic lifetimes and structural diversity of these compounds make them ideally suited for the study of intramolecular vibronic relaxation.     

Jet Spectroscopy of theD12B1–D01B1Transition of thep-Cyanobenzyl Radical

We have generated thep-cyanobenzyl radical in supersonic free expansion, and measured the vibrationally and rotationally resolved laser induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation spectra and the LIF dispersed spectra from the single vibronic levels (SVL) in the green-blue region. The lowest energy band at 20 738 cm⁻¹with the strongest intensity in the excitation spectrum has been assigned to the 0⁰₀band of the visible spectrum, on the basis of the vibronic structures in the SVL dispersed spectra. Based on the band type of the 0⁰₀band,a-type, determined from the rotationally resolved LIF excitation spectrum, we have definitely assigned the visible band to theD₁2²B₁–D₀1²B₁electronic transition. We have found, on the grounds of the vibrational analysis of the dispersed spectra, that the vibronic structure of the 2²B₁–1²B₁electronic transition of the benzyl type is characterized by totally symmetric fundamental modes, 1, 8a, and 9a.     

Spectroscopic characterization of structural isomers of naphthalene: 1-Phenyl-1-butyn-3-ene

Laser induced fluorescence (LIF), single vibronic level dispersed fluorescence (DFL) spectra, and high resolution rotationally resolved scans of the S₀–S₁ transition of the C₁₀H₈ isomer 1-phenyl-1-butyn-3-ene have been recorded under jet-cooled conditions. The S₀–S₁ origin of PAV at 34 922 cm⁻¹ is very weak. A vibronic band located 464.0 above the origin, assigned as 30¹₀, dominates the LIF excitation spectrum, with intensity arising from vibronic coupling with the S₂ state. High resolution scans of the S₀–S₁ origin and 30¹₀ vibronic bands determine that the former is a 65:35 a:b hybrid band, while 30¹₀ is a pure a-type band, confirming the role for vibronic coupling and identifying the coupled state as the S₂ state. DFL spectra of all vibronic bands in the first 800 cm⁻¹ of the spectrum were recorded. A near-complete assignment of the vibronic structure in both S₀ and S₁ states is obtained. Herzberg–Teller vibronic coupling is carried by two vibrations, ν₂₈ and ν₃₀, involving in-plane deformations of the vinylacetylene side chain, leading to Duschinsky mixing evident in the intensities of transitions in excitation and DFL spectra. Extensive Duschinsky mixing is also present among the lowest five out-of-plane vibrational modes, involving motion of the side chain. Comparison with the results of DFT B3LYP and TDDFT calculations with a 6-311+G(d,p) basis set confirm and strengthen the assignments.     

The vibrational structure of bromocyanoacetylene cation in the X̃2π and Ã2π electronic states studied by emission and laser exci

The vibrational frequencies of bromocyanoacetylene cation in its ground and first excited electronic states have been obtained by recording and analysing the emission and laser excitation spectra of the òπ-X̃²π transition. In the emission experiments the ions are produced rotationally cooled to ca. 10 K by means of a supersonic free jet and in the laser excitation measurements to ca. 100 K by Penning ionisation followed by collisional relaxation. The resulting narrowing of the vibronic bands in the spectra is such that the vibrational frequencies of most of the fundamentals could be inferred to within ± 2 cm⁻¹.     

Study of vibronic interactions in impurity centers by conjugate fluorescence and absorption spectra with a poorly resolved vibrational structure

The conjugate fluorescence and fluorescence excitation spectra of recently synthesized substituted arylpolyene (C₆H₅-[CH=CH]₂-C₆H₄-NH₂) are studied in solid n-octane at a temperature of 4.2 K. The spectra exhibit a weakly pronounced vibrational structure. A method of determination of the vibronic interaction parameters responsible for the shape of the spectra is developed. The method is based on the modeling of the spectra by series of vibronic bands, each of which consists of a narrow zero-phonon line and a broad phonon wing (phonon sideband). This makes it possible to calculate the fluorescence and fluorescence excitation spectra with the weakly pronounced vibrational structure and compare them with the measured spectra. The deviations from the mirror symmetry between the measured fluorescence and fluorescence excitation conjugate spectra are explained by the combined effect of the Franck-Condon and Herzberg-Teller interactions. The parameters of these interactions are determined.     

Electronic spectra of cationic forms of meso-tetrapropylporphin in a nanoporous silicate gel matrix

We have studied the fluorescence and fluorescence excitation spectra at 300 K, 77 K, and 4.2 K for silicate gel matrices colored with meso-tetrapropylporphin by impregnation of the matrix with a solution of the pigment. Comparison of the data obtained with the absorption spectra in acidified solutions and analysis of the low-temperature fine-structure vibronic spectra, and also taking into account data obtained earlier for octaethylporphin in a xerogel showed formation of two cationic forms of meso-tetrapropylporphin in the gel matrix: the short-wavelength form has a dicationic structure, while the long-wavelength form has a monocationic structure. We have traced out the correlations of the vibrational structure in the spectra of the dicationic form with data for the porphin dication, and we have drawn a number of conclusions concerning the normal vibrational modes that are active in the vibronic fluorescence and absorption spectra of the studied cationic forms. Using the AM1 semiempirical quantum chemical method, we optimized the geometry of the mesotetrapropylporphin dication: the most stable of the possible conformers is the dication structure with saddleshaped macrocycle nonplanarity. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 4, pp. 453–461, July–August, 2006.     

Improvement of the parametric method of the theory of vibronic spectra of polyatomic molecules: Absorption spectra and the structure of butadiene, hexatriene, and octatetraene in the excited state

The structure of the excited states and absorption spectra of butadiene, hexatriene, and octatetraene are calculated by the parametric method of the theory of vibronic spectra using models of the first-and second-order approximations. It is shown that these molecular models adequately reflect the molecular structure and allow one to predict quantitatively the shape and fine vibrational structure of the absorption spectra. When passing to the second-order approximation, only two additional (angular) parameters are used. These parameters are transferable in the series of polyenes. Compared to the first-order approximation model, the second-order approximation model more accurately takes into account the angular deformations of polyenes upon their excitation and describes the intensity distribution in the vibrational spectrum, including weak lines. In addition, the calculations also quantitatively predict spectral variations in the molecular series. The parametric method is more efficient for modeling polyatomic molecules in the excited states and their vibrational spectra compared to other semiempirical and ab initio methods.     

Theoretical Analysis of the Fluorescence Spectra of 7-Azaindole and Its Tautomer

The electronic—vibrational fluorescence spectra of the first, S₀ → ¹L_b, and second, S₀ → ¹L_a, electronic transitions of 7-azaindole and its tautomer for an isolated state have been calculated. Specific features of structural changes in 7-azaindole and its tautomer upon electronic excitation are determined. Vibrational spectra are assigned for the ground state, and the vibrational structure of fluorescence spectra is interpreted. It is shown that the intensity redistribution between the 6a and 6b oscillations, which is observed in the fluorescence spectrum of the S₀ → ¹L_b transition in 7-azaindole, can be explained as a result of intensity borrowing (according to the Herzberg—Teller mechanism) from the ¹L_a state.     

Analysis of the perturbed NO22B2 ← 2A1 system in the 591.4- to 592.9-nm region based on sub-Doppler laser spectroscopy

Sub-Doppler excitation spectra of NO₂, covering four vibronic bands within the spectral range from 16 861 to 16 903 cm^?1, were measured with a resolution of down to 10 MHz in a collimated supersonic molecular beam. Unambiguous assignment of all prominent lines in the 42-cm^?1-wide interval of the ${}^2\text{B}{}_2\text{←}{}^2\text{A}{}_1$ excitation spectrum was achieved by recording for each excitation line at least four vibrational bands of the corresponding fluorescence spectrum with completely resolved rotational lines. From least-squares fits to the line positions in the excitation spectra the rotational, fine, and hyperfine structure of the ²B₂ state was analyzed. A perturbation analysis, based on information from both types of spectra, confirms earlier models of vibronic coupling with high-lying vibrational levels of the ²A₁ ground state and gives evidence for spin-orbit coupling. Possible models are discussed which may explain the observed perturbations.     

Mode-selective internal conversion of perylene

We observed fluorescence excitation spectra and dispersed fluorescence spectra for single vibronic level excitation of jet-cooled perylene-h ₁₂ and perylene-d ₁₂, and carefully examined the vibrational structures of the S₀ ¹ A _g and S₁ ¹ B _2u states. We performed vibronic assignments on the basis of the results of ab initio calculation, and found that the vibrational energies in the S₁ state are very similar to those in the S₀ state, indicating that the potential energy curves are not changed much upon electronic excitation. We conclude that the small structural change is the main cause of its slow radiationless transition and high fluorescence quantum yield at the zero-vibrational level in the S₁ state. It has been already reported that the lifetime of perylene is remarkably short at specific vibrational levels in the S₁ state. Here, we show that the mode-selective nonradiative process is internal conversion (IC) to the S₀ state, and the ν₁₆(a _g ) in-plane ring deforming vibration is the promoting (doorway) mode in the S₁ state which enhances vibronic coupling with the high-vibrational level (b _2u ) of the S₀ state.     

Electronic and Resonance Raman Spectra of the μ-tris(Bipyrazine)ruthenium(II)-Hexaquis{ruthenium(II)EDTA} Supramolecular Complex

Abstract

Resonance Raman and electronic spectra of the μ-tris(bipyrazine)ruthenium(II)-hexaquis{ruthenium(II)EDTA} supramolecular complex are reported in this paper. Excitation in the 457–676 nm range leads to the selective enhancement of the Ru-bipyrazine vibrational peaks according to distinct patterns, supporting the assignment of the absorption bands at 670 and 490 nm as charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions from the [Ru^IIEDTA] d_π orbitals to the π₁? and π₂? LUMO levels of the bipyrazine ligand. A vibronic coupling mechanism involving the two excited states is suggested for the excitation at 490 nm. The occurrence of MLCT transitions in the [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ central unity, around 440 nm, is supported by the Raman and fluorescence excitation profiles.     

High resolution laser induced fluorescence excitation spectroscopy of jet-cooled terrylene

High resolution laser induced fluorescence excitation spectra upon absorption in the A¹B_3u ← X¹A_g band of jet-cooled terrylene have been recorded. Precise energies of three vibronic transitions are deduced. Low lying vibrations are found in both electronic states. Rotational constants in ground and excited state are determined by band contour analysis. Terrylene is a medium-size polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and a possible carrier of diffuse interstellar bands (DIB). The results of the jet experiments are discussed regarding the PAH-DIB hypothesis.     

New S1 vibronic level assignments for s-tetrazine vapor: Polarization and lifetime measurements

New fluorescence excitation and dispersed SVL fluorescence spectra of s-tetrazine vapor in supersonic expansions of helium and argon are reported. A forbidden in-plane-polarized component of the $\text{A}\text{?}{}^1\text{B}{}_{\mathrm{3u}}\text{-}\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{A}{}_{\mathrm{g}}$ transition is discovered at (0, 0) + 578 cm^?1 with a type-B band contour in rotationally resolved excitation spectra obtained with a single-frequency cw ring dye laser. Linewidth measurements of single rovibronic transitions provide data to calculate lifetimes of low-lying S₁ vibronic states of the isolated molecule. Depending on the vibrational mode involved, the lifetime varies from 0.05 to greater than 1 nsec. The number of cold-band assignments in the absorption spectrum of s-tetrazine vapor now confirmed by analysis of SVL fluorescence spectra increases from three to ten.     

Fermi-type resonance in quasi-linear fluorescence excitation spectra of triazatetrabenzoporphine

The effect of deuteration of the central NH groups on the quasi-linear fluorescence and fluorescence excitation (with selective monitoring) spectra for triazatetrabenzoporphine, a close analog of phthalocyanine, has been investigated at 77K in n-nonane. Vibrational analysis of the spectra was carried out. The normal mode frequencies were determined for the electronic states S₀ (from fluorescence spectra) and S₁ (for fluorescence excitation spectra). It has been established that N-deuteration lowers the frequency of a vibration involving inplane NH bending down to ∼990 cm⁻¹ and leads to resonant vibrational-electronic (vibronic) interaction of Fermi-type resonance between the zero level of the S₂ state and the vibronic level of the S₁ state upon excitation of this mode. Thereby the possibility of the “vibronic analog of Fermi resonance” (a term coined by G. Herzberg) occurring in a simple (two-component) variant of phthalocyanine-type molecules has been shown. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 6, pp. 796–803, November–December, 2008.     

Study of the protoporphyrin luminescence under selective laser excitation

The structural luminescence spectra of protoporphyrin IX solid solutions in ethanol and hydrochloric acid were obtained under selective laser excitation in the region of the inhomogeneouly broadened pure electronic and vibronic bands at T = 3.8 K. The dependence of the excitation selectivity on the excitation frequency was investigated. The vibrational frequencies of protoporphyrin IX were obtained in the ground and excited electronic states when the excitation frequency has been scanned in the region of pure electronic and vibronic bands, respectively. A universal apparatus is described for the investigation of the absorption and luminescence spectra of polyatomic molecules in the temperature range from 3.5 to 300 K under the dye laser excitation tunable in the spectral region 265–365 nm, 435–730 nm, detection of spectra in the region 300–900 nm with a polychromator and silicon intensified image detector and processing of the spectral information with an optical spectrum analyser controlled with a microcomputer.     

Highly resolved electronic absorption and luminescence spectra of some phenanthrolines in Shpolskii matrices: Part II. Fluorescence and S1←S0 absorption spectra

Highly resolved fluorescence and S₁←S₀ absorption spectra of some phenanthrolines in n-alkane matrices were obtained at 77 K. The vibrational analysis of the spectra was carried out. Mirror symmetry distortions of the fluorescence and absorption spectra were attributed to vibronic coupling between ¹(π, π¹) states. It was shown that vibronic mixing of S₁(π, π¹) and S₂(π, π¹) states occurs in phenanthroline molecules with S₁-S₂ energy gap not exceeding 3000 cm^-1 (i.e., 4,7-, 1,7- and 1,10-Phen), whereas in other phenanthrolines the coupling of S₁ and S₃(π, π¹) plays a dominant role. Fluorescence quantum yields of phenanthroline liquid solutions were measured. Changes of luminescence efficiencies due to the change of the polarity of the media point to a weak coupling of the lowest ¹(π, π¹) and ¹(n, π¹) states.