Learning objectives
Knowledge: the course gives advanced concepts in optical spectroscopy and molecular (multi)photonics, among which deep fundamental insight into energy- and charge-transfer theories, besides an introduction to advanced techniques and applications in nonlinear and time-resolved spectroscopy.
Comprehension ability: the basis knowledge acquired during the precedent years in the field of molecular spectroscopy and quantum chemistry are consolidated and exploited in order to face more advanced concepts, with an overview on the most interesting and up-to-date applications in the fields of molecular materials and biomolecular chemistry.
Prerequisites
Basis knowledge in quantum-mechanics and molecular spectroscopy.
Course unit content
Excitation energy transfer; Electron transfer; Nonlinear optics; Optical microscopy; Optical Bloch equations and photon echo; Two-dimensional optical spectroscopy.
Full programme
Energy transfer
- Förster and Dexter mechanisms
- FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) applications: macromolecular association and intermolecular distance investigation; protein folding; energy harvesting; sensing.
Electron transfer
Marcus model and applications to molecular systems
Nonlinear optics
- Nonlinear response theory: n-th order hyperpolarizabilities
- Second-order processes: second-harmonic generation and its applications
- Third-order processes: Raman scattering and two-photon absorption (and relevant applications)
Optical (multiphotonic) microscopy
- Confocal microscopy
- Multiphoton optical imaging
Optical Bloch equations and Photon Echo
IR 2-dimensional spectroscopy
Bibliography
J. R. Lakowicz, Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Springer 2006.
V. May, O. Kuhn, Charge and Energy Transfer Dynamics in Molecular Systems, Wiley 2004.
R. W. Boyd, Nonlinear Optics, Academic Press 2008.
Y. R. Shen, The Principles of Nonlinear Optics, Wiley-Interscience 1984.
P. Hamm and M. Zanni, Concepts and Methods of 2D Infrared Spectroscopy, Cambridge University Press 2011.
Teaching methods
Classes
Assessment methods and criteria
The acquired knowledge and comprehension ability are verified through an oral exam that is carried out in part in the classic way and for another part through the student's presentation on a chosen specific subject among the ones dealt with in the course or a related subject.
Other information
Besides a wide bibliography, detailed notes on each of the course's subjects are made available to the students.
