Ultrafast dynamics of molecular polaritons
Prof. Wei Xiong, UCSD, USA
Leuchs-Russell-Auditorium, A.1.500, Staudtstr. 2
Abstract:
Molecular polaritons, a hybrid between molecular excitations with photonic cavity modes, have raised broad interests due to their potential in modifying chemical reactions. Yet, the underlying mechanism remain elusive. The key to reveal the magic of polaritonic states to chemical reactions is to understand how the delocalized polaritonic energy influenced a localized energy in molecular bonds along the reaction coordinates. Using ultrafast 2D IR spectroscopy, my group followed the energy relaxation from polaritons to localized molecular vibrations on the femtosecond timescale and showed how uniquely polaritons can accelerate energy redistribution and subsequently impede reaction dynamics.
