Chemistry: Molecular Spectroscopy - Methods and Applications

<p>Learn how molecules and materials can be analysed using different optical methods</p><p>KEMM29. The aim is to enable students to acquire specialized understanding of how light interacts with molecules and materials. The course introduces a variety of optical spectroscopy tools and methods for studying molecules and materials. Electronic processes that can be excited by light are considered. We discuss on an advanced level how these methods together with data analysis are used to investigate chemical and physical properties. Additionally, some spectroscopy skills are practiced is in a couple of laboratory sessions.</p> <p>The course builds on previous studies in spectroscopy.</p> <h3>Course content</h3> <p><em>Lectures:</em></p> <ul> <li>basic principles of interaction between light and molecules, and the formation of excited states</li> <li>the time evolution of excited states in intra- and intermolecular energy and electron transitions and their role in photochemical reactions</li> <li>description of different sources of light (e.g. lasers) and light detectors of relevance to spectroscopy</li> <li>detailed description of different optical methods such as absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved laser spectroscopy</li> <li>introduction to fluorescence microscopy and detection of individual molecules</li> <li>introduction to X-ray spectroscopy for measurement of molecular structure and chemical bonding</li> </ul> <p><em>Laboratory sessions, calculation exercises and seminars:</em></p> <ul> <li>laboratory sessions providing practical experience of spectroscopic methods and measurements</li> <li>exercises and seminars consisting of calculations exercises and discussion of subjects addressed in lectures</li> </ul>