Open AccessFemtochemistry
Author(s) -
Yoshitaka Tanimura,
Koichi Yamashita,
Philip Anfinrud
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.96.16.8823
Subject(s) - femtochemistry , femtosecond , photodissociation , bacteriorhodopsin , wave packet , chemical physics , chemistry , laser , triatomic molecule , nanotechnology , physics , optics , molecule , atomic physics , photochemistry , materials science , quantum mechanics , biochemistry , membrane
The topic of femtochemistry is surveyed from both theoretical and experimental points of view. A time-dependent wave packet description of the photodissociation of the O---C---S molecule reveals vibrational motion in the transition-state region and suggests targets for direct experimental observation. Theoretical approaches for treating femtosecond chemical phenomena in condensed phases are featured along with prospects for laser-controlled chemical reactions by using tailored ultrashort chirped pulses. An experimental study of the photoisomerization of retinal in the protein bacteriorhodopsin is discussed with an aim to gain insight into the potential energy surfaces on which this remarkably efficient and selective reactions proceeds. Finally, a prospective view of new frontiers in femtochemistry is given.