Chemical structure vs excitation frequency (photons)

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on predicting the frequency of photons emitted when molecules, such as benzene, are excited and then relax. The NIST Chemistry WebBook is highlighted as a valuable resource for obtaining IR and UV/Vis spectra for various substances. The conversation also touches on the potential for certain materials to lase at different frequencies, emphasizing that not all substances can be made to lase at any frequency. The concept of meta-materials that can absorb one frequency and emit another is introduced, with a suggestion to explore chemical dye lasers for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular excitation and relaxation processes
  • Familiarity with IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy
  • Basic knowledge of laser physics and lasing conditions
  • Introduction to meta-materials and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the NIST Chemistry WebBook for spectral data on various molecules
  • Explore the principles of chemical dye lasers and their applications
  • Study the concept of meta-stable states in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the relationship between excitation energy and emitted photon frequency
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, physicists, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the interaction between molecular structures and photon emissions.

rppearso
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Is there a text, or set of texts, on how to predict what frequency of photon is released when a particular molecule is brought to an excited state and then relaxes?

So for example if you were to put, say, benzene into an electrical tube and excite it what frequency would be released and more importantly why?
 
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DrClaude said:
The best is to look at spectra. A good source is the NIST Chemistry WebBook.

For instance, on the page for benzene, you will find IR and UV/Vis spectra: https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?Name=benzene&Units=SI

So if a substance/material gives off a certain frequency does that mean that it could also lase? Is there a book of meta-materials, such as materials that can accept one frequency to put electrons into an excited state but give off a different photon when the electrons drop back down?
 
Last edited:
rppearso said:
So if a substance/material gives off a certain frequency does that mean that it could also lase?
Not necessarily. Many substances can be made to lase, but you not necessarily at any frequency where transitions can occur.

rppearso said:
Is there a book of meta-materials, such as materials that can accept one frequency to put electrons into an excited state but give off a different photon when the electrons drop back down?
It is not clear for me what you are after. Maybe if you look up chemical dye lasers you will find something.
 
DrClaude said:
Not necessarily. Many substances can be made to lase, but you not necessarily at any frequency where transitions can occur.It is not clear for me what you are after. Maybe if you look up chemical dye lasers you will find something.



About mid way through it states there are materials where you can put in one energy and get out another energy. Thus it seems to me with such a material you could in effect pump this material with an easy to attain energy/frequency and get back a more difficult to attain frequency energy?

But the big question is how big is that meta stable region (what frequencies/energies will it accept) in order to give off the desired frequency?

I am currently taking a course in solid state electronic devices and plan to take a course in quantum mechanics next semester to help me figure this stuff out.
 

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