Course detail

Photoinduced Processes in Molecular Materials

FCH-DA_FPDAcad. year: 2022/2023

The course is focused on the interaction of photons with organic molecules, molecular crystals and polymers. The primary processes of optical absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, non-radiative transitions and generation of excited species, such as excitons, excimers, exciplexes and photoinduced charge transfer states, are discussed in detail. The explanation of basic terms is followed by a complex analysis of photophysical and photochemical processes, such as photochromism, photoconductivity, electroluminescence, photodielectric effect, excitation energy transfer, photosynthesis, photodegradation of materials and some non-linear optical effects. From the application point of view, the principles of basic molecular optoelectronic elements, such as optical memories, photodetectors, solar cells, electroluminescent displays and non-linear optical elements (photorefractive and holographic memories) are discussed. From the chemical point of view, examples are mentioned of relations of molecular structures, physical and chemical properties of materials, types of basic chemical syntheses, and modifications of low-molecular-weight and polymer materials.

Language of instruction

English

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Not applicable.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Not applicable.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Not applicable.

Course curriculum

The course is focused on the interaction of photons with organic molecules, molecular crystals and polymers. The primary processes of optical absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, non-radiative transitions and generation of excited species, such as excitons, excimers, exciplexes and photoinduced charge transfer states, are discussed in detail. The explanation of basic terms is followed by a complex analysis of photophysical and photochemical processes, such as photochromism, photoconductivity, electroluminescence, photodielectric effect, excitation energy transfer, photosynthesis, photodegradation of materials and some non-linear optical effects. From the application point of view, the principles of basic molecular optoelectronic elements, such as optical memories, photodetectors, solar cells, electroluminescent displays and non-linear optical elements (photorefractive and holographic memories) are discussed. From the chemical point of view, examples are mentioned of relations of molecular structures, physical and chemical properties of materials, types of basic chemical syntheses, and modifications of low-molecular-weight and polymer materials.

Light and material
Optical properties of molecules
Electronic structure of molecular materials
Absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, non-radiative transitions
Excitons, excimers, exciplexes, charge-transfer states
Photochromism and photoconductivity
Photosynthesis
Excitation energy transfer
Nonlinear optics
Electroluminescence and photodielectric effect
Optoelectronic elements, optical memories
Material photodegradation
Basic photochemical and photophysical experimental methods

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Not applicable.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Not applicable.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

N. J. Turro, Modern Molecular Photochemistry, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, inc., London, 1991 (EN)

Recommended reading

J. B. Birks, Photophysics of aromatic molecules, Wiiley-Interscience, London, 1970 (EN)
J-L Bredas, S. R. Marder, Organic Semiconductors, World Scientific, London, 2016 (EN)
N. V. Tkachenko, Optical Spectroscopy Methods and Instrumentation, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2006 (EN)
S. A. Jenekhe, K. J. Wynne, Photonic and optoelectronic polymers, American Chemical Society, Washington, 1995 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DPAP_CHM_4_N Doctoral 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DKAP_CHM_4_N Doctoral 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional