Structure-property relationships for three-photon absorption in stilbene-based dipolar and quadrupolar chromophores

Based on essential-state models for three-photon absorption (3PA), we have investigated the structure-property relationships for stilbene-based dipolar and quadrupolar chromophores. The emphasis lies on the evolution of the 3PA cross section with the degree of ground-state polarization. For dipolar systems, we find a dominant role played by Deltamu, which expresses the change in dipole moment between the ground state and the 3PA active excited state. Thus, the strategies usually applied to maximize the second-order polarizability beta are also applicable to optimize the 3PA cross section. For quadrupolar systems, the 3PA response is dominated by contributions from channels including various low-lying two-photon allowed states, which limits the applicability of essential-state models. Optimization strategies can be proposed but vary for different ranges of ground-state polarization.     

Two-photon transitions in quadrupolar and branched chromophores: experiment and theory

A combined experimental and theoretical study is conducted on a series of model compounds in order to assess the combined role of branching and charge symmetry on absorption, photoluminescence, and two-photon absorption (TPA) properties. The main issue of this study is to examine how branching of quadrupolar chomophores can lead to different consequences as compared to branching of dipolar chromophores. Hence, three structurally related pi-conjugated quadrupolar chromophores symmetrically substituted with donor end groups and one branched structure built from the assembly of three quadrupolar branches via a common donor moiety are used as model compounds. Their photophysical properties are studied using UV-vis spectroscopy, and the TPA spectra are determined through two-photon excited fluorescence experiments using femtosecond pulses in the 500-1000 nm range. Experimental studies are complemented by theoretical calculations. The applied theoretical methodology is based on time-dependent density functional theory, the Frenkel exciton model, and analysis in terms of the natural transition orbitals of relevant electronic states. Theory reveals that a symmetrical intramolecular charge transfer from the terminal donating groups to the middle of the molecule takes place in all quadrupolar chromophores upon photoexcitation. In contrast, branching via a central electron-donating triphenylamine moiety breaks the quadrupolar symmetry of the branches. Consequently, all Frank-Condon excited states have significant asymmetric multidimensional charge-transfer character upon excitation. Subsequent vibrational relaxation of the branched chromophore in the excited state leads to a localization of the excitation and fluorescence stemming from a single branch. As opposed to what was earlier observed when dipolar chromophores are branched via the same common electron-donating moiety, we find only a slight enhancement of the maximum TPA response of the branched compound with respect to an additive contribution of its quadrupolar branches. In contrast, substantial modifications of the spectral shape are observed. This is attributed to the subtle interplay of interbranch electronic coupling and asymmetry caused by branching.     

Molecules with large-amplitude torsional motion partially oriented in a nematic liquid crystal: ethane and isotopomers

An NMR study on ethane and five isotopomers dissolved in the nematic liquid crystal Merck ZLI 1132 is performed. A consistent set of dipolar and quadrupolar couplings is obtained. The dipolar couplings are corrected for harmonic vibrational effects, while the contribution from the torsional motion is incorporated classically. The corrected dipolar couplings cannot be understood in terms of a reasonable molecular structure unless effects of the reorientation-vibration interaction are taken into account. Assuming that the reorientation-vibration contributions that are known for the methyl group in methyl fluoride are transferable to ethane, excellent agreement between observed and calculated dipolar couplings is obtained on the basis of the ethane gas-phase structure. The observed and calculated deuterium quadrupolar couplings show discrepancies supporting the notion that average electric field gradients are important in liquid-crystal solvents. An important consequence of the transferability of the reorientation-vibration correlation is that in other molecules with a methyl group the same procedure as for ethane can be followed. Inclusion of this effect generally removes the need to interpret changes in observed dipolar couplings in terms of elusive chemical effects.     

A new NMR method for determining the particle thickness in nanocomposites, using T2,H-selective X{1H} recoupling

A new nuclear magnetic resonance approach for characterizing the thickness of phosphate, silicate, carbonate, and other nanoparticles in organic-inorganic nanocomposites is presented. The particle thickness is probed using the strongly distant-dependent dipolar couplings between the abundant protons in the organic phase and X nuclei (31P, 29Si, 13C, 27Al, 23Na, etc.) in the inorganic phase. This approach requires pulse sequences with heteronuclear dephasing only by the polymer or surface protons that experience strong homonuclear interactions, but not by dispersed OH or water protons in the inorganic phase, which have long transverse relaxation times T2,H. This goal is achieved by heteronuclear recoupling with dephasing by strong homonuclear interactions of protons (HARDSHIP). The pulse sequence alternates heteronuclear recoupling for approximately 0.15 ms with periods of homonuclear dipolar dephasing that are flanked by canceling 90 degrees pulses. The heteronuclear evolution of the long-T2,H protons is refocused within two recoupling periods, so that 1H spin diffusion cannot significantly dephase these coherences. For the short-T2,H protons of a relatively immobile organic matrix, the heteronuclear dephasing rate depends simply on the heteronuclear second moment. Homonuclear interactions do not affect the dephasing, even though no homonuclear decoupling is applied, because long-range 1H-X dipolar couplings approximately commute with short-range 1H-1H couplings, and heteronuclear recoupling periods are relatively short. This is shown in a detailed analysis based on interaction representations. The algorithm for simulating the dephasing data is described. The new method is demonstrated on a clay-polymer nanocomposite, diamond nanocrystals with protonated surfaces, and the bioapatite-collagen nanocomposite in bone, as well as pure clay and hydroxyapatite. The diameters of the nanoparticles in these materials range between 1 and 5 nm. Simulations show that spherical particles of up to 10 nm diameter can be characterized quite easily.     

Vapor-liquid equilibria simulation and an equation of state contribution for dipole-quadrupole interactions

A systematic investigation on vapor-liquid equilibria (VLEs) of dipolar and quadrupolar fluids is carried out by molecular simulation to develop a new Helmholtz energy contribution for equations of state (EOSs). Twelve two-center Lennard-Jones plus point dipole and point quadrupole model fluids (2CLJDQ) are studied for different reduced dipolar moments micro*2=6 or 12, reduced quadrupolar moments Q*2=2 or 4 and reduced elongations L*=0, 0.505, or 1. Temperatures cover a wide range from about 55% to 95% of the critical temperature of each fluid. The NpT+test particle method is used for the calculation of vapor pressure, saturated densities, and saturated enthalpies. Critical data and the acentric factor are obtained from fits to the simulation data. On the basis of this data, an EOS contribution for the dipole-quadrupole cross-interactions of nonspherical molecules is developed. The expression is based on a third-order perturbation theory, and the model constants are adjusted to the present 2CLJDQ simulation results. When applied to mixtures, the model is found to be in excellent agreement with results from simulation and experiment. The new EOS contribution is also compatible with segment-based EOS, such as the various forms of the statistical associating fluid theory EOS.     

Close‐Packed Two‐Dimensional Silver Nanoparticle Arrays: Quadrupolar and Dipolar Surface Plasmon Resonance Coupling

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) ranging in size from 40 to 100 nm were prepared in high yield by using an improved seed‐mediated method. The homogeneous Ag NPs were used as building blocks for 2D assembled Ag NP arrays by using an oil/water interface. A close‐packed 2D array of Ag NPs was fabricated by using packing molecules (3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane) to control the interparticle spacing. The homogeneous 2D Ag NP array exhibited a strong quadrupolar cooperative plasmon mode resonance and a dipolar red‐shift relative to individual Ag NPs suspended in solution. A well‐arranged 2D Ag NP array was embedded in polydimethylsiloxane film and, with biaxial stretching to control the interparticle distance, concomitant variations of the quadrupolar and dipolar couplings were observed. As the interparticle distance increased, the intensity of the quadrupolar cooperative plasmon mode resonance decreased and dipolar coupling completely disappeared. The local electric field of the 2D Ag NP array was calculated by using finite difference time domain simulation and qualitatively showed agreement with the experimental measurements.     

A small-angle X-ray scattering study of nanoparticle assembly in an aligned nematic liquid crystal

The assembly of colloidal particles in a nematic liquid crystal has been investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering. The structure and orientation of nanoparticle assemblies in bulk samples of aligned nematic liquid crystal have been determined. The method offers some advantages over optical microscopy, which is usually restricted to investigations of thin cells and micron-sized particles. The scattering from chains of particles has been calculated, and comparison with experimental results has shown that suspensions of 48 and 105 nm diameter silica nanoparticles formed highly ordered structures perpendicular to the liquid crystal director, consistent with quadrupolar defect-induced assembly.     

Remarkable features in the interactions of quadrupolar molecules

Quadrupolar charge fields of molecules and of molecular fragments give rise to unique features in weakly interacting clusters and aggregations. Relative to dipole-dipole interactions, the interactions among quadrupolar molecules tend to allow for greater orientational distortions away from equilibrium. Potential surface regions have been found for several clusters that are attractive and yet very flat for certain directions. There is a notable slipperiness for the interactions in some of these cases. This implies significant vibrational excursions even in the ground state. Furthermore, the coupling of rotations among nearby molecules in pure clusters of quadrupolar molecules is different than for dipolar species, and it can lead to unexpectedly small internal rotation barriers. How these and other features develop and what they might imply for materials and biomolecular simulations are discussed here.     

Aggregates of quadrupolar dyes: giant two-photon absorption from biexciton states

A model for aggregates of quadrupolar (DAD or ADA) molecules is presented that relaxes the dipolar approximation for intermolecular electrostatic interactions. New effects, including the appearance of bound biexcitons in clusters of nonpolar molecules, are predicted with interesting and unforeseen consequences on the material properties. Specifically, we show that the large two-photon absorption cross-section, typical of quadrupolar chromophores, can be further amplified by orders of magnitude as a result of aggregation.     

Reconsideration of second-harmonic generation from isotropic liquid interface: broken Kleinman symmetry of neat air/water interface from dipolar contribution

It has been generally accepted that there are significant quadrupolar and bulk contributions to the second-harmonic generation (SHG) reflected from the neat air/water interface, as well as common liquid interfaces. Because there has been no general methodology to determine the quadrupolar and bulk contributions to the SHG signal from a liquid interface, this conclusion was reached based on the following two experimental phenomena: the breaking of the macroscopic Kleinman symmetry and the significant temperature dependence of the SHG signal from the neat air/water interface. However, because the sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) measurement of the neat air/water interface observed no apparent temperature dependence, the temperature dependence in the SHG measurement has been reexamined and proven to be an experimental artifact. Here we present a complete microscopic analysis of the susceptibility tensors of the air/water interface, and show that dipolar contribution alone can be used to address the issue of the breaking of the macroscopic Kleinman symmetry at the neat air/water interface. Using this analysis, the orientation of the water molecules at the interface can be obtained, and it is consistent with the measurement from SFG-VS. Therefore, the key rationales to conclude significantly quadrupolar and bulk contributions to the SHG signal of the neat air/water interface can no longer be considered as valid as before. This new understanding of the air/water interface can shed light on our understanding of the nonlinear optical responses from other molecular interfaces as well.     

Absorption and scattering of light by Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au nanodisks: absolute cross sections and branching ratios

Localized surface plasmons (LSPs) of metallic nanoparticles decay either radiatively or via an electron-hole pair cascade. In this work, the authors have experimentally and theoretically explored the branching ratio of the radiative and nonradiative LSP decay channels for nanodisks of Ag, Au, Pt, and Pd, with diameters D ranging from 38 to 530 nm and height h=20 nm, supported on a fused silica substrate. The branching ratio for the two plasmon decay channels was obtained by measuring the absorption and scattering cross sections as a function of photon energy. The former was obtained from measured extinction and scattering coefficients, using an integrating sphere detector combined with particle density measurements obtained from scanning electron microscopy images of the nanoparticles. Partly angle-resolved measurements of the scattered light allowed the authors to clearly identify contributions from dipolar and higher plasmonic modes to the extinction, scattering, and absorption cross sections. Based on these experiments they find that absorption dominates the total scattering cross section in all the examined cases for small metallic nanodisks (D<100 nm). For D>100 nm absorption still dominates for Pt and Pd nanodisks, while scattering dominates for Au and Ag. A theoretical approach, where the metal disks are approximated as oblate spheroids, is used to account for the trends in the measured cross sections. The field problem is solved in the electrostatic limit. The spheroid is treated as an induced dipole for which the dipolar polarizability is calculated based on spheroid geometry and the (bulk) dielectric response function of the metal the spheroid consists of and the dielectric medium surrounding it. One might expect this model to be inappropriate for disks with D>100 nm since effects due to the retardation of the incoming field across the metallic nanodisk and contributions from higher plasmonic modes are neglected. However, this model describes quite well the energy dependence of the dipolar resonance, the full width at half maximum, and the total extinction cross section for all four metallic systems, even when 100相似文献   

Computer simulation of the linear and nonlinear optical susceptibilities of p-nitroaniline in cyclohexane, 1,4-dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran in quadrupolar approximation. I. Molecular polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities

This is the first part of a study of the local field effects on (non)linear optical susceptibilities of solutions of para-nitroaniline (pNA) in three different solvents, cyclohexane (CH), 1,4-dioxane (DI), and tetrahydrofuran (THF), using a discrete molecular representation of the condensed phase. To account for dipolar and quadrupolar effects, the latter of which are especially important for DI solution, all the electric properties necessary to compute the local fields and local field gradients in quadrupolar approximation as well as the dipolar hyperpolarizabilities for the four molecules are computed, including frequency dispersion and vibrational contributions to the dipolar properties. The convergence of the perturbation treatment for the pure vibrational (PV) contributions is examined by comparison of the values obtained at the lowest order with those of partially computed second order in mechanical and electrical anharmonicity. For pNA, for which previous computations of the hyperpolarizabilities have generally found poor agreement with experimental results, a thorough investigation of the effects of solvent-induced geometry changes, dynamic and static correlation, frequency dispersion, and classical thermal averaging over the torsional modes of the substituent groups and the inversion mode of the amino group on the dipolar properties is carried out. Computations using self-consistent continuum reaction field models show that the amino group is substantially less pyramidalized in polar solvents than in the gas phase. With all the effects taken into account, reasonable agreement with the experimental electric-field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) result on pNA vapor of Kaatz, Donley, and Shelton is obtained.     

Solid‐state NMR Spectroscopy of Quadrupolar Nuclei in Inorganic Chemistry

We here review the principles and applications of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy of quadrupolar nuclei, with a special emphasis on structural studies of inorganic solids. Most NMR‐observable nuclei have spin I > 1/2, and possess a quadrupole moment. The resulting quadrupolar interaction severely broadens the resonances, but also encapsulates valuable information about the symmetry of the electronic surroundings of the observed nucleus. The effect of the quadrupolar interaction, as well as that of the chemical shift and dipolar interaction, on solid‐state NMR spectra is examined in this article. To regain good resolution, specifically designed NMR techniques exist to remove the quadrupolar broadening, i.e. overtone and MQMAS spectroscopy, the principles of which are outlined here. In addition, the possibility of distance measurements via the dipolar interaction using the REDOR technique is discussed. The combined information derived from distance measurements, quadrupolar and chemical shift parameters can be helpful for determination of the crystal structure, or for detection of impurity phases, as illustrated by surveying a number of case studies covering spin I = 1, 3/2, 5/2 and 7/2.     

The dynamics of the CH3CN molecule in the isotropic phase and in a nematic solution

NMR lineshape studies of acelonitrile in the isotropic and the liquid-crystalline nematic phase of PCH have been performed. The scalar relaxation of the second kind due to the presence of the ¹⁴N quadrupolar nucleus has been confirmed as the most important relaxation mechanism for this molecule in both the isotropic and the anisotropic phase. It has been found largely responsible for the selective broadening on ¹³C and ¹H transitions. A minor contribution arising from intramolecular dipolar relaxation mechanism has also been investigated. Linewidth analysis of the NMR spectra allowed us to determine the quadrupolar relaxation time T_IN of the ¹⁴N nucleus. This is connected to the correlation time for rotational diffusion perpendicular to the molecular symmetry axis. A possible explanation of a residual selective broadeining which effects the ¹³C and ¹H NMR transitions and is not taken into account by this mechanism, is also given.     

Ishtar: An interactive system for quantitative investigation on dipolar and quadrupolar spin-lattice relaxation

Within the model of anisotropic rotational diffusion, the quantitative treatment of dipolar and quadrupolar spin-lattice relaxation provides valuable information about molecular structures and molecular associations. When quadrupolar relaxation is involved, the title program calculates: (1) the electric field gradient tensor (EFGT) which is diagonalized; (2) the assymetry parameter, the components of the principal axes of the EFGT in the molecular frame of reference and the quadrupole coupling constant; and (3) the rotational diffusion constants which are iteratively determined from the experimental quadrupolar relaxation times. Analogously, for dipolar relaxation ISHTAR calculates the tensor of inertia, the diagonalization of which leads to diffusion constants and free rotor correlation times and the rotational diffusion constants from the experimental spectral densities.     

Direct determination of the oriented sample nmr spectrum from the powder spectrum for systems with local axial symmetry

A procedure is described for extracting the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of an oriented system from the spectrum of a superposition of randomly oriented domains. The procedure is applicable to dipolar, quadrupolar and anisotropic chemical shift interactions in systems having local axial symmetry and is illustrated using simulated and experimental spectra.     

Low-temperature metallic alloying of copper and silver nanoparticles with gold nanoparticles through digestive ripening

We describe a remarkable and simple alloying procedure in which noble metal intermetallic nanoparticles are produced in gram quantities via digestive ripening. This process involves mixing of separately prepared colloids of pure Au and pure Ag or Cu particles and then heating in the presence of an alkanethiol under reflux. The result after 1 h is alloy nanoparticles. Particles synthesized according to this procedure were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, EDX analysis, and high-resolution electron microscopy, the results of which confirm the formation of alloy particles. The particles of 5.6+/-0.5 nm diameter for Au/Ag and 4.8+/-1.0 nm diameter for Cu/Au undergo facile self-assembly to form 3-D superlattice ordering. It appears that during this digestive ripening process, the organic ligands display an extraordinary chemistry in which atom transfer between atomically pure copper, silver, and gold metal nanoparticles yields monodisperse alloy nanoparticles.     

Hard-disk behavior and beyond in Langmuir films of CdSe nanoparticles

Harnessing the spontaneous behavior of a population of particles is an attractive approach to the fabrication of targeted nanostructures. Underlying this goal is the interparticle potential, as it dictates the spontaneous behavior of the system. To this end, we present methodology for using quantitative film balance studies of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) stabilized CdSe nanoparticles to determine their effective interparticle potential on the air-water interface. A simple protocol for reducing the quantity of excess TOPO to negligible levels of surface activity is established. In studying clean populations of 2.08, 2.22, 2.36, 2.49, 2.63, and 2.91 nm nanoparticles, quantitative agreement between their pressure-area isotherms and the Carnahan-Starling hard-disk equation of state is achieved. This analysis indicates that CdSe nanoparticles of a given diameter behave how hard disks with significantly smaller diameters would behave. This finding suggests that an attractive contribution to the interparticle potential, such as the dipolar potential, plays a significant role in the spontaneous organization of these particles.