NANJ1001 NANO1/CH2/PH3: Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Phenomena, Measurements and Data Analysis Methods (JSS32) (2 cr)

Ultrafast photophysical and photochemical processes play an important role in many photoactive materials such as solar cells, organic LEDs, photocatalysts and molecular-based optical sensors. Thorough understanding of the time scales and yields of such processes is required for the development of more efficient materials. The course provides a thorough introduction to different photophysical and relaxation phenomena in molecules. Furthermore, photochemical processes with a particular focus on charge-transfer processes in molecules and solid materials are introduced. In addition, students are introduced to several ultrafast spectroscopic methods including conventional optical (transient absorption and fluorescence) as well as x-ray based techniques. The introduced processes are illustrated with real spectroscopic data including data analysis and interpretation of the results. Besides the lectures, the course consists of four hands-on workshops focusing on steady-state spectroscopy, fluorescence anisotropy, broadband femtosecond spectroscopy (transient absorption and fluorescence up-conversion) and global analysis of broadband data.

After the course, the students will have a good understanding of several photophysical and photochemical processes and how such processes are manifested in spectroscopic data. The students will learn about several ultrafast techniques, including both optical and x-ray based methods, how these techniques can be applied to various systems and how the data is treated and analyzed. Besides theoretical understanding, the students will gain practical skills in both experiments and data analysis during the hands-on workshops. The course will provide a strong background for someone who is a beginner in the field of ultrafast spectroscopy but offers also an ample of in-depth knowledge for more experienced participants.

Basic knowledge of photochemistry/photophysics and spectroscopic techniques (absorption and fluorescence). Some programming experience in Python can be helpful but is not required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops with Python packages preinstalled.