Speaker
Prof.
Jacqueline Cole
(University of Cambridge, UK & University of New Brunswick, Canada)
Description
Photo-excited state crystal structures are now possible via photo-crystallography - a technique that pumps optical light upon a crystal which is, in turn, probed by X-ray diffraction. While this technique is still very much in a developmental phase, results have already demonstrated important findings in the area of optoelectronics.
Such photo-crystallography experiments are now being technically extended to incorporate X-ray absorption spectroscopy and anomalous X-ray scattering. Two case studies are shown. In the first case, XANES has been used to identify solid-state photoisomerism in these materials where suitable crystals could not be grown for photo-crystallography. The XANES data analysis also clarified the redox property changes owing to light-excitation. In the second case, anomalous X-ray scattering has been embraced within photo-crystallography experiments in order to gain superior scattering contrast in the areas of the molecule that pose special interest with respect to light-induced effects. The associated X-ray absorption cross-sections are determined using EXAFS spectra that are obtained in tandem with the X-ray diffraction experiment.
The paper concludes by forecasting the likely combinations of techniques that will create a result whose sum is far greater than its parts.
Primary author
Prof.
Jacqueline Cole
(University of Cambridge, UK & University of New Brunswick, Canada)
