Exciton spin relaxation in colloidal CdSe quantum dots at room temperature

Size dependence of spin dynamics in colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) are investigated with circularly polarized pump-probe transmission spectroscopy at room temperature. The excitation energy is tuned to resonance with the lowest exciton (1S(h)1S(e)) energy of the CdSe QDs. The exciton spin dynamics of CdSe QD with the diameter of 5.2 nm shows monoexponential decay with a typical time constant of about 1-3 ps depending on the excitation energy. For the cases of CdSe QDs with smaller size (with the diameter of 4.0 and 2.4 nm), the exciton spin relaxation shows biexponential decay, a fast component with time constant of several ps and a slow one with time constant of hundreds of ps to nanosecond time scale. The fast spin relaxation arises from the bright-dark transition, i.e., J = ±1 ? -/+2 transition. This process is dominated by the hole spin flips, while the electron spin conserves. The slow spin relaxation is attributed to the intralevel exciton transitions (J = ±1 ? -/+1 transition), which is relevant to the electron spin flip. Our results indicate that the exciton spin relaxation pathways in CdSe QD are controllable by monitoring the particle size, and polarized pump-probe spectroscopy is proved to be a sensitive method to probe the exciton transition among the fine structures.     

Time evolution of a single spin inhomogeneously coupled to an interacting spin environment

We study the time evolution of a single spin coupled by exchange interaction to an environment of interacting spin bath modeled by the XY Hamiltonian. By evaluating the spin correlator of the single spin, we observed that the decay rate of the spin oscillations strongly depends on the relative magnitude of the exchange coupling between the single spin and its nearest neighbor J(') and coupling among the spins in the environment J. The decoherence time varies significantly based on the relative coupling magnitudes of J and J('). The decay rate law has a Gaussian profile when the two exchange couplings are of the same order J(') approximately J but converts to exponential and then a power law as we move to the regimes of J(')>J and J(')相似文献   

π-Electron-Assisted Relaxation of Spin Excited States in Cobalt Phthalocyanine Molecules on Au(111) Surface

We present our investigation on the spin relaxation of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) films on Au(111) (CoPc/Au(111)) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The spin relaxation time derived from the linewidth of spin-flip inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy is quantitatively analyzed according to the Korringa-like formula. We find that although this regime of the spin relaxation time calculation by just considering the exchange interaction between itinerant conduction electrons and localized d-shells (s-d exchange interaction) can successfully reproduce the experimental value of the adsorbed magnetic atom, it fails in our case of CoPc/Au(111). Instead, we can obtain the relaxation time that is in good agreement with the experimental result by considering the fact that the π electrons in CoPc molecules are spin polarized, where the spin polarized π electrons extended at the Pc macrocycle may also scatter the conduction electrons in addition to the localized d spins. Our analyses indicate that the scattering by the π electrons provides an efficient spin relaxation channel in addition to the s-d interaction and thus leads to much short relaxation time in such a kind of molecular system on a metal substrate.     

Simulating electron spin resonance spectra of nitroxide spin labels from molecular dynamics and stochastic trajectories

Simulating electron spin resonance spectra of nitroxide spin labels from motional models is necessary for the quantitative analysis of experimental spectra. We present a framework for modeling the spin label dynamics by using trajectories such as those from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with stochastic treatment of the global protein tumbling. This is achieved in the time domain after two efficient numerical integrators are developed: One for the quantal dynamics of the spins and the other for the classical rotational diffusion. For the quantal dynamics, we propagate the relevant part of the spin density matrix in Hilbert space. For the diffusional tumbling, we work with quaternions, which enables the treatment of anisotropic diffusion in a potential expanded as a sum of spherical harmonics. Time-averaging arguments are invoked to bridge the gap between the smaller time step of the MD trajectories and the larger time steps appropriate for the rotational diffusion and/or quantal spin dynamics.     

NMR microscopy - limitations and applications in material sciences -

Alongside the numerous applications of NMR spectroscopy in analytical chemistry, materials sciences and morphological studies by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), NMR microscopy makes possible a whole new range of applications in materials sciences such as the development and non destructive testing of polymers and ceramic materials. This includes imaging of microscopic structures and structural changes in such materials. The contrast in the images is determined by the NMR specific parameters chemical shift δ, spin density ρ, spin lattice relaxation time T₁, spin spin relaxation time T₂ and spin lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame T_1ρ. The numerous well developed methods available make it possible to study dynamic processes by fast imaging, the measurement of diffusion constants of solvents or liquids, the mobility of fluids in polymers or ceramics or the three dimensional evaluation of pore sizes in porous materials.     

Effect of rapidly relaxed electron spin anisotropically coupled to nearby nuclear partners

In practice, many situations arise when a perturbed nuclear spin relies upon the aid of a rapidly relaxed spin neighbor in order to realize thermal equilibrium. Conventional treatments view the efficiently relaxed spin as part of the 'lattice', invoke the secular approximation, and consider the associated time correlation of the lattice variables, phenomenologically. Recently, an ab initio perturbative approach has been proposed for investigation of these spin systems. In this work, a similar formalism is applied to the scenario, in which nuclear spin relaxation is effected via an anisotropically coupled, efficiently relaxed, spin. Interesting conflicts with standard theory are revealed. Furthermore, although left mostly unexplored, this approach lends insight into numerous related aspects of magnetic relaxation including separation of timescales, distinction between spin and spatial averaging, paramagnetic relaxation, Curie spin relaxation, and the dynamic frequency shift.     

On the accuracy of the state space restriction approximation for spin dynamics simulations

We present an algebraic foundation for the state space restriction approximation in spin dynamics simulations and derive applicability criteria as well as minimal basis set requirements for practically encountered simulation tasks. The results are illustrated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron spin resonance (ESR), dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), and spin chemistry simulations. It is demonstrated that state space restriction yields accurate results in systems where the time scale of spin relaxation processes approximately matches the time scale of the experiment. Rigorous error bounds and basis set requirements are derived.     

Transient electron spin resonance spectroscopy of the carotenoid triplet state in Rhodopseudomonas Sphaeroides wild type

We have determined the triplet state spin sublevel dynamics of spheroidene contained within the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudonionas sphaeroides wild type. The triplet state decay dynamics were measured using direct-detection, rapid-transient, high-field, electron spin resonance spectroscopy on chromatophores isolated from the bacterium. The transient signals were analyzed as a function of microwave power to obtain the individual triplet state spin sublevel decay rate constants and the spin—lattice relaxation time. The individual triplet state spin sublevel decay constants yielded a value of 4.2±0.3 μs for the overall triplet state lifetime, which agrees with the lifetime measured previously by other workers using optical spectroscopic methods.     

Application of graphical methods of spin algebras to limited CI approaches. II. A simple open shell case

A time independent diagrammatic technique based on the Wick theorem and graphical methods of spin algebras, as outlined in Part I, is applied to a simple open shell case having one unpaired electron in addition to the pure singlet closed shell. Compact explicit expressions for the matrix elements of a spin independent Hamiltonian between conveniently chosen spin symmetry adapted states are given for the ground, mono- and bi-excited configurations.     

DNA‐backbone radio resistivity induced by spin blockade effect

Coherent control of OH‐free radicals interacting with the spin‐triplet state of a DNA molecule is investigated. A model Hamiltonian for molecular spin singlet‐triplet resonance is developed. We illustrate that the spin‐triplet state in DNA molecules can be efficiently populated, as the spin‐injection rate can be tuned to be orders of magnitudes greater than the decay rate due to small spin‐orbit coupling in organic molecules. Owing to the nano‐second life‐time of OH free radicals, a non‐equilibrium free energy barrier induced by the injected spin triplet state that lasts approximately longer than one‐micro second in room temperature can efficiently block the initial Hydrogen abstraction and DNA damage. For a direct demonstration of the spin‐blockade effect, a molecular simulation based on an ab‐initio Car‐Parrinello molecular dynamics is deployed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010     

Multiple quantum NMR excitation with a one-quantum hamiltonian

Excitation of multiple quantum coherence in dipolar coupled spin systems is usually accomplished with a two-quantum multiple pulse sequence which can be time reversed by means of a 90° phase shift. The application of such an excitation scheme to a spin system in thermal equilibrium excites only even orders of multiple quantum coherence. We demonstrate here time reversible pulse sequences that excite all orders of coherence by creating a pure one-quantum average hamiltonian. We also describe pulse schemes which can be used to create pure one- or two-quantum average hamiltonians with variable scaling between +1 and −1. These excitation schemes are relevant to the study of spin clustering by multiple quantum NMR.     

Chemically induced dynamic electron polarization generated through the interaction between singlet molecular oxygen and nitroxide radicals

An absorptive chemically induced dynamic electron polarization (CIDEP) was generated by the quenching of singlet oxygen by nitroxide radicals (TEMPO derivatives). The spin polarization decay time of the nitroxide (measured by time-resolved EPR) correlates with the lifetime of singlet oxygen (measured by singlet oxygen phosphorescence spectroscopy). In addition, a deuterium isotope effect on the spin polarization decay time was observed, a signature of singlet oxygen involvement. With use of isotope labeled nitroxides (15N, 14N), the relative spin polarization efficiencies of TEMPO, 4-oxo-TEMPO, and 4-hydroxy-TEMPO by singlet oxygen were determined. The relative spin polarization efficiencies (per quenching event) decrease in the order 4-hydroxy-TEMPO > TEMPO > 4-oxo-TEMPO, whereas an opposite trend was observed for the total quenching rate constants of singlet oxygen by the nitroxides where the order is 4-hydroxy-TEMPO < TEMPO < 4-oxo-TEMPO.     

Parametrization, molecular dynamics simulation, and calculation of electron spin resonance spectra of a nitroxide spin label on a polyalanine alpha-helix

The nitroxide spin label 1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrroline-3-methyl-methanethiosulfonate (MTSSL), commonly used in site-directed spin labeling of proteins, is studied with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. After developing force field parameters for the nitroxide moiety and the spin label linker, we simulate MTSSL attached to a polyalanine alpha-helix in explicit solvent to elucidate the factors affecting its conformational dynamics. Electron spin resonance spectra at 9 and 250 GHz are simulated in the time domain using the MD trajectories and including global rotational diffusion appropriate for the tumbling of T4 Lysozyme in solution. Analysis of the MD simulations reveals the presence of significant hydrophobic interactions of the spin label with the alanine side chains.     

Spin exchange in solutions of TEMPOL in n-octanol and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in the temperature range from 300 to 500 K

Comprehensive examinations of the motional properties (rotational correlation time τ(R)) and the spin exchange ω(SS) of the spin probe TEMPOL have been carried out using ESR spectroscopy in two different solvents. For the first time, the dynamic parameters τ(R) and ω(SS) have been determined simultaneously by simulation of spectra measured at three different ESR frequencies (L-, X-, and Q-band) between 293 and 500 K using a dynamic model based on a stochastic fitting program and, for comparison, two alternative models involving the shift of the hyperfine lines and considering the line broadening due to spin exchange in a wide range of conditions. Possibilities and limits of the used models are shown upon comparing the obtained results of the spin exchange. Moreover, the analysis of the ESR spectra gave evidence for the existence of cage effects that produce re-encounters of the spin probes. This has been done for the activation energies, which have been calculated from the temperature dependence of the rate constants of the spin exchange. From the ratio of the activation energies and the influence of the viscosities on the dynamics of the examined systems in n-octanol and an ionic liquid, conclusions can be drawn for the re-encounter effects in solvent cages. However, in contrast to n-octanol, the dynamics of the spin probe in the ionic liquid depends on specific and anisotropic interactions. The temperature dependence of the Q-band measurements required the development of a novel Q-band cavity.     

Generating long-lasting 1H and 13C hyperpolarization in small molecules with parahydrogen-induced polarization

Recently, Levitt and co-workers demonstrated that conserving the population of long-lasting nuclear singlet states in weak magnetic fields can lead to a preservation of nuclear spin information over times substantially longer than governed by the (high-field) spin-lattice relaxation time T1. Potential benefits of the prolonged spin information for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were pointed out, particularly when combined with the parahydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) methodology. In this contribution, we demonstrate that an increase of the effective relaxation time by a factor up to three is achieved experimentally, when molecules hyperpolarized by PHIP are kept in a weak magnetic field instead of the strong field of a typical NMR magnet. This increased lifetime of spin information makes the known PHIP phenomena more compatible with the time scales of biological processes and, thus, more attractive for future investigations.     

The spin mixing process of a radical pair in low magnetic field observed by transient absorption detected nanosecond pulsed magnetic field effect

The spin mixing process of the radical pair in the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle is studied by using a novel technique nanosecond pulsed magnetic field effect on transient absorption. We have developed the equipment for a nanosecond pulsed magnetic field and observed its effect on the radical pair reaction. A decrease of the free radical yield by a reversely directed pulsed magnetic field that cancels static field is observed, and the dependence on its magnitude, which is called pulsed MARY (magnetic field effect on reaction yield) spectra, is studied. The observed spectra reflect the spin mixing in 50-200 ns and show clear time evolution. Theoretical simulation of pulsed MARY spectra based on a single site modified Liouville equation indicates that the fast spin dephasing processes induced by the modulation of electron-electron spin interaction by molecular reencounter affect to the coherent spin mixing by a hyperfine interaction in a low magnetic field.     

Two-dimensional homonuclear chemical shift correlation established by the cross-relaxation driven spin diffusion in solids

A new type of spin diffusion, cross-relaxation driven spin diffusion (CRDSD), is investigated using (15)N NMR on a N-acetyl-L-valyl-L-leucine (NAVL) single crystal under stationary condition. A two-dimensional (2D) pulse sequence that correlates the chemical shifts of (15)N nuclei, with a radio-frequency spin lock on the (15)N channel during the mixing time, is used to observe CRDSD. Experimental results obtained using CRDSD, rf-driven spin diffusion, and proton driven spin diffusion approaches on the NAVL single crystal are compared. Our experimental results suggest that the (15)N spin diffusion rate can be enhanced by about 1000 times using CRDSD than by the normal proton driven spin diffusion. Interestingly, the required spin-locking rf field strength for CRDSD is much lower than that used for the rf-driven spin diffusion experiments. The cross-peak patterns observed in 2D (15)N-(15)N correlation spectra using CRDSD and RFDSD are very different as they arise from different spin-spin interactions. A detailed theory describing CRDSD and RFDSD processes is also presented using a thermodynamic model. The speedy spin diffusion process rendered by the CRDSD approach will be useful to assign resonances from a uniformly (15)N or (13)C labeled proteins and peptides, particularly in aligned samples.     

A new mechanism for electron spin echo envelope modulation

Electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) has been observed for the first time from a coupled heterospin pair of electron and nucleus in liquid solution. Previously, modulation effects in spin-echo experiments have only been described in liquid solutions for a coupled pair of homonuclear spins in nuclear magnetic resonance or a pair of resonant electron spins in electron paramagnetic resonance. We observe low-frequency ESEEM (26 and 52 kHz) due to a new mechanism present for any electron spin with S > 12 that is hyperfine coupled to a nuclear spin. In our case these are electron spin (S = 32) and nuclear spin (I = 1) in the endohedral fullerene N@C(60). The modulation is shown to arise from second-order effects in the isotropic hyperfine coupling of an electron and (14)N nucleus.