The primary focus of our research efforts is the elucidation f the structure and dynamics of photo-generated transient species. We have concentrated on Two classes of photochemical reactions: unimolecular photoisomerization in solution and charge carrier relaxation processes in thin film materials. A common thread that is emerging from our studies is the role of molecular conformation in determining both the chemical reaction pathways and the subsequent dynamics. We are using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies, e.g., picosecond transient Raman spectroscopy and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, to provide the necessary structural and dynamical information.
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