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Cryptochrome 4a (Cry4a) has been proposed as the sensor at the heart of the magnetic compass in migratory songbirds. Blue-light excitation of this protein produces magnetically sensitive flavin–tryptophan radical pairs whose properties suggest that Cry4a could indeed be suitable as a magnetoreceptor. Here, we use cavity ring-down spectroscopy to measure magnetic field effects on the kinetics of these radical pairs in modified Cry4a proteins from the migratory European robin and from nonmigratory pigeon and chicken. B1/2, a parameter that characterizes the magnetic field-dependence of the reactions, was found to be larger than expected on the basis of hyperfine interactions and to increase with the delay between pump and probe laser pulses. Semiclassical spin dynamics simulations show that this behavior is consistent with a singlet–triplet dephasing (STD) relaxation mechanism. Analysis of the experimental data gives dephasing rate constants, rSTD, in the range 3–6 × 107 s−1. A simple "toy" model due to Maeda, Miura, and Arai [Mol. Phys. 104, 1779–1788 (2006)] is used to shed light on the origin of the time-dependence and the nature of the STD mechanism. Under the conditions of the experiments, STD results in an exponential approach to spin equilibrium at a rate considerably slower than rSTD. We attribute the loss of singlet–triplet coherence to electron hopping between the second and third tryptophans of the electron transfer chain and comment on whether this process could explain differences in the magnetic sensitivity of robin, chicken, and pigeon Cry4a's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated mixed-ligand complexes provide tractable model systems in which to study competitive and cooperative binding effects as well as controlled energy flow. Here, we report spectroscopic and isotopologue-selective infrared photofragmentation dynamics of mixed gas-phase Au(12/13CO)n(N2O)m+ complexes. The rich infrared action spectra, which are reproduced well using simulations of calculated lowest energy structures, clarify previous ambiguities in the assignment of vibrational bands, especially accidental coincidence of CO and N2O bands. The fragmentation dynamics exhibit the same unexpected behaviour as reported previously in which, once CO loss channels are energetically accessible, these dominate the fragmentation branching ratios, despite the much lower binding energy of N2O. We have investigated the dynamics computationally by considering anharmonic couplings between a relevant subset of normal modes involving both ligand stretch and intermolecular modes. Discrepancies between correlated and uncorrelated model fit to the ab initio potential energy curves are quantified using a Boltzmann sampled root mean squared deviation providing insight into efficiency of vibrational energy transfer between high frequency ligand stretches and the softer intermolecular modes which break during fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the discussion of scattering phenomena involving larger molecules, specifically addressing questions related to the phenylethynyl radical in the interstellar medium. Topics include the challenges in detecting the phenylethynyl radical due to its complex spectrum, potential formation mechanisms in space, and the role of experimental and computational methods in predicting its presence.

The article focuses on a general discussion of scattering phenomena at condensed-phase surfaces, particularly in relation to the challenges and techniques involved in measuring angular distributions of evaporating atoms. Topics include the difficulties of measuring angular distributions from cylindrical jets versus flat jets, the prediction of helium atom evaporation patterns, and the observation of surfactant segregation in microjets.

The article focuses on a general discussion about the scattering of larger molecules, particularly examining the differences in potential energy surfaces (PES) between HDO, H2O, and D2O. Topics include the reason for stronger back scattering in HDO compared to H2O and D2O, the role of symmetry and potential terms in scattering phenomena, and specific insights into the n10 term affecting back-scattering.

We report a combined experimental and computational study of carbon dioxide activation at gas-phase Ho+ and HoO+ centres. Infrared action spectra of Ho(CO2)n+ and [HoO(CO2)n]+ ion–molecule complexes have been recorded in the spectral region 1700–2400 cm−1 and assigned by comparison with simulated spectra of energetically low-lying structures determined by density functional theory. Little by way of activation is observed in Ho(CO2)n+ complexes with CO2 binding end-on to the Ho+ ion. By contrast, all [HoO(CO2)n]+ complexes n ≥ 3 show unambiguous evidence for formation of a carbonate radical anion moiety,. The signature of this structure, a new vibrational band observed around 1840 cm−1 for n = 3, continues to red-shift monotonically with each successive CO2 ligand binding with net charge transfer from the ligand rather than the metal centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the interaction of a <1 mT magnetic field with an electron spin is less than a millionth of the thermal energy at room temperature (kBT), it still can have a profound effect on the quantum yields of radical pair reactions. We present a study of the effects of sub-millitesla magnetic fields on the photoreaction of flavin mononucleotide with ascorbic acid. Direct control of the reaction pathway is achieved by varying the rate of electron transfer from ascorbic acid to the photo-excited flavin. At pH 7.0, we verify the theoretical prediction that, apart from a sign change, the form of the magnetic field effect is independent of the initial spin configuration of the radical pair. The data agree well with model calculations based on a Green's function approach that allows multinuclear spin systems to be treated including the diffusive motion of the radicals, their spin-selective recombination reactions, and the effects of the inter-radical exchange interaction. The protonation states of the radicals are uniquely determined from the form of the magnetic field-dependence. At pH 3.0, the effects of two chemically distinct radical pair complexes combine to produce a pronounced response to ~500 μT magnetic fields. These findings are relevant to the magnetic responses of cryptochromes (flavin-containing proteins proposed as magnetoreceptors in birds) and may aid the evaluation of effects of weak magnetic fields on other biologically relevant electron transfer processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The near ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of silver atom-rare gas dimers have been studied by velocity map imaging. Ag-RG (RG = Ar, Kr, Xe) species generated by laser ablation are excited in the region of the C ((²Σ+)←X (²Σ+) continuum leading to direct, near-threshold dissociation generating Ag* (²P3/2) + RG¹S0) products. Images recorded at excitation wavelengths throughout the C (²Σ+)←X (²Σ+) continuum, coupled with known atomic energy levels, permit determination of the ground X (²Σ+) state dissociation energies of 85.9 ± 23.4 cm-1 (Ag-Ar), 149.3 ± 22.4 cm-1 (Ag-Kr), and 256.3 ± 16.0 cm-1 (Ag-Xe). Three additional photolysis processes, each yielding Ag atom photoproducts, are observed in the same spectral region. Two of these are markedly enhanced in intensity upon seeding the molecular beam with nitrous oxide, and are assigned to photodissociation of AgO at the two-photon level. These features yield an improved ground state dissociation energy for AgO of 15 965 ± 81 cm-1, which is in good agreement with high level calculations. The third process results in Ag atom fragments whose kinetic energy shows anomalously weak photon energy dependence and is assigned tentatively to dissociative ionization of the silver dimer Ag2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared multiple-photon dissociation spectroscopy has been applied to study Ptn(N2O)+ (n = 1–8) clusters which represent entrance-channel complexes on the reactive potential energy surface for nitrous oxide decomposition on platinum. Comparison of spectra recorded in the spectral region 950 cm−1 to 2400 cm−1 with those simulated for energetically low-lying structures from density functional theory shows a clear preference for molecular binding via the terminal N atom, though evidence of O-binding is observed for some cluster sizes. Enhanced reactivity of Ptn+n ≥ 6 clusters towards N2O is reflected in the calculated reactive potential energy surfaces and, uniquely in the size range studied, Pt6(N2O)+ proved impossible to form in significant number density even with cryogenic cooling of the cluster source. Infrared-driven N2O decomposition, resulting in the formation of cluster oxides, PtnO+, is observed following vibrational excitation of several Ptn(N2O)+ complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of a combined experimental and computational study of the structures of gas-phase M+(N2O)n (M = Li, Al) complexes. Infrared spectra were recorded in the region of the N2O asymmetric (N = N) stretch using photodissociation spectroscopy employing the inert messenger technique. Unlike in our previous studies on M+(N2O)n (M = Cu, Ag, Au and M = Co, Rh, Ir) complexes, N– and O–bound isomers in this case are near isoenergetic and are not distinguished spectroscopically at this resolution. In the case of Li+ complexes, there is, however, evidence for the presence of bound N2 moieties, indicating the presence of inserted, OLi+N2(N2O)n–type structures. The weak N2 band lies to the blue of the signature of molecularly N– and O–bound ligands and is well–reproduced in the simulated spectra of energetically low-lying structures computed from density functional theory. No such inserted isomers are observed in the case of Al+(N2O)n complexes whose infrared spectra can be understood on the basis of molecularly-bound N2O ligands. The differences in M+(N2O)n structures observed for these closed–shell, ns2, metal centres relative to other metal cations are discussed in terms of the likely bonding motifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissociative ionization dynamics of excited electronic states of the xenon dimer, Xe2, have been studied using velocity map ion imaging (VMI). A one-colour, (2+1) resonant excitation scheme was employed to first excite and then ionize selected vibrational levels of the Xe2 6p 2[1/2]0 0g+ Rydberg state. Cationic fragments were then detected by the VMI. The data provide an outstanding example of the reflection principle in photodissociation with the full nodal structure of the Rydberg state wavefunctions clearly observed in the final Xe+ kinetic energy distributions without the need for scanning the excitation energy. Fitting of the observed distributions provides detailed and precise information on the form of the Xe2+ I(1/2g) potential energy curve involved which is in excellent agreement with the results of photoelectron imaging studies [Shubert and Pratt, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 044315 (2011) ]. Furthermore, the anisotropy of the product angular distributions yields information on the evolution of the electronic character of the ionic state with internuclear separation, R. The combination of the nature of dissociative ionization and the extent of the bound state wavefunctions provide information over an unusually wide range of internuclear separation R (ΔR > 0.75 Å). This would normally require scanning over a considerable energy region but is obtained in these studies at a fixed excitation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photodissociation dynamics of Au-Xe leading to Xe+ formation via the Ξ1/2-X2Σ+ (v′, 0) band system (41 500-41 800 cm-1) have been investigated by velocity map imaging. Five product channels have been indentified, which can be assigned to photoinduced charge transfer followed by photodissociation in either the neutral or the [Au-Xe]+ species. For the neutral species, charge transfer occurs via a superexcited Rydberg state prior to dissociative ionization, while single-photon excitation of the gold atom in Au+-Xe accesses an (Au+)*-Xe excited state that couples to a dissociative continuum in Au-Xe+. Mechanisms by which charge transfer occurs are proposed, and branching ratios for Xe+ formation via the superexcited Rydberg state are reported. The bond dissociation energy for the first excited state of Au+-Xe is determined to be ∼9720 ± 110 cm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of the gold-rare gas atom van der Waals complexes (Au–RG, RG=Ar, Kr, and Xe) have been studied by velocity map imaging. Photofragmentation of Au–Ar and Au–Kr at several wavelengths permits extrapolation to zero of the total kinetic energy release (TKER) spectra as monitored in the Au(2P3/2°[5d106p]) fragment channel, facilitating the determination of ground state dissociation energies of D0″(Au–Ar)=149±13 cm-1 and D0″(Au–Kr)=240±19 cm-1, respectively. In the same spectral region, transitions to vibrational levels of an Ω′=1/2 state of the Au–Xe complex result in predissociation to the lower Au(2P1/2°[5d106p])+Xe(1S0[5p6]) fragment channel for which TKER extrapolation yields a value of D0″(Au–Xe)=636±27 cm-1. Asymmetric line shapes for transitions to the v′=14 level of this state indicate coupling to the Au(2P3/2°[5d106p])+Xe(1S0[5p6]) continuum, which allows us to refine this value to D0″(Au–Xe)=607±5 cm-1. The dissociation dynamics of this vibrational level have been studied at the level of individual isotopologues by fitting the observed excitation spectra to Fano profiles. These fits reveal a remarkable variation in the predissociation dynamics for different Au–Xe isotopologues. For Au–Ar and Au–Xe, the determined ground state dissociation energies are in good agreement with recent theoretical calculations; the agreement of the Au–Kr value with theory is less satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectra of vanadium monoxide (VO) have been measured in the 16 000–23 300 cm-1 region. A series of intense peaks, identified as the VO C 4Σ- (v′)-X 4Σ- (v″=0) progression, has been recorded up to v′=7 and vibrational and rotational parameters have been extracted by simulation of the rotationally resolved spectra. Additional weak transitions in the spectrum are assigned to the 2 2Π-X 4Σ- spin-forbidden band system allowing the first direct determination of a spin-orbit coupling constant within the doublet spin manifold of VO. Together, the spectra provide absolute energies for several doublet electronic states with respect to the X 4Σ- ground state. A further vibronic progression observed at 22 000 cm-1 is assigned as a second spin-forbidden excitation from the X 4Σ- ground state to a 2Π state which has not previously been characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry has been employed to study the reactions of gas-phase cationic cobalt clusters, Con+ (n=4–30), with nitric oxide, NO, and nitrous oxide, N2O, under single collision conditions. Isolation of the initial cluster permits detailed investigation of fragmentation channels which characterize the reactions of all but the largest clusters studied. In reaction with N2O, most clusters generate the monoxides ConO+ without fragmentation, cobalt atom loss accompanying only subsequent reactions. By contrast, chemisorption of even a single NO molecule is accompanied by fragmentation of the cluster. The measured rate coefficients for the Con++N2O reaction as a function of cluster size are significantly smaller than those calculated using the surface charge capture model, while for NO the rates are comparable. The reactions have been studied under high coverage conditions by storing clusters for extended periods to permit multiple reactions to occur. This leads to interesting chemistry on the surface of the cluster resulting in the formation of stable oxide clusters and/or the decomposition of nitric oxide on the cluster with the resulting loss of molecular nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential energy surfaces (PESs) and S1-T1 spin-orbit coupling matrix element (SOCME) surfaces are investigated for the toluene–X weakly bound clusters (X=Ne, Ar, and Kr). Calculations of the vibrational wave functions using a one-dimensional stretch model are presented and used to determine vibrationally averaged values of the SOCMEs. Our ab initio theoretical results compare well with intersystem crossing rates derived from recent experimental fluorescence lifetime data [Doyle et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122, 194315 (2005)]. Vibrational averaging is shown to change the absolute magnitude of the calculated SOCMEs, but the ratio between them remains very similar to that of the single-point values calculated at the minima of the PESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first results are presented of a new experiment designed both to generate and characterize spectroscopically individual isomers of transition-metal cluster cations. As a proof of concept the one-photon mass-analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectrum of V3 has been recorded in the region of 44 000–45 000 cm-1. This study extends the range of a previous zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) photoelectron study of Yang et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 231, 177 (1994)] with which the current results are compared. The MATI spectra reported here exhibit surprisingly high resolution (0.2 cm-1) for this technique despite the use of large discrimination and extraction fields. Analysis of the rotational profile of the origin band allows assignment of the V3 ground state as and the V3+ ground state as , both with D3h geometry, in agreement with the density-functional theory study of the V3 ZEKE spectrum by Calaminici et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 114, 4036 (2001)]. There is also some evidence in the spectrum of transitions to the low-lying excited state of the ion. The vibrational structure observed in the MATI spectrum is, however, significantly different to and less extensive than that predicted in the density-functional theory study. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed and an alternative assignment is proposed which results in revised values for the vibrational wave numbers of both the neutral and ionic states. These studies demonstrate the efficient generation of cluster ions in known structural (isomeric) forms and pave the way for the study of cluster reactivity as a function of geometrical structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toluene-X van der Waals clusters (where X=Ne, Ne2, Ar, Ar2, Kr, Xe) have been investigated by fluorescence excitation spectroscopy in the region of the S1-S0 transition. With the exception of Xe, for each rare-gas studied, we have assigned cluster transitions in the region of all the strong monomer vibrational bands up to 1000 cm-1 above the origin band. We have further investigated the S1 relaxation dynamics for each vibrational level of each complex, via their fluorescence decay profiles. Clustering with neon has little appreciable effect on the vibrationless S1 lifetime. By contrast, the clusters with argon and krypton exhibit markedly shorter fluorescence lifetimes compared with the monomer. The effect is so severe in the case of toluene-Xe clusters that no fluorescence signals were observed. We interpret these results in terms of an external heavy atom effect in which the rate of intersystem crossing in toluene is influenced by the cluster partner. For clusters built upon excited S1 vibrational levels, the situation is potentially complicated by intramolecular vibrational redistribution and vibrational predissociation (VP). The majority of the fluorescence decay profiles were satisfactorily modeled using single exponential decays. The emission following pumping of the 371 level in the toluene-Kr cluster, however, is an exception. We have modeled the decay of this level with a simple kinetic scheme including VP and determined a predissociation rate of (1.04±0.54) × 107 s-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a combined experimental and computational study of the external heavy atom effect in van der Waals clusters of para-difluorobenzene (pDFB) with rare-gas atoms. Experimentally, clustering with rare-gas atoms is observed to shorten significantly the S1 fluorescence lifetime compared with that of the pDFB monomer, an effect we interpret in terms of an enhancement of the S1-T1 intersystem crossing rate. In order to test the validity of this widely held assumption, we have calculated the S1-T1 spin–orbit coupling matrix elements in the X-pDFB complexes (X=Ne,Ar,Kr) using a multiconfigurational linear response approach. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution IR-UV multiple resonance methods are employed to elucidate the photodissociation dynamics of quantum state-selected Ar–HOD and Ar–H2O van der Waals clusters. A single mode pulsed OPO operating in the region of the OH second overtone is used to prepare individual rovibrational states that are selectively photodissociated at specific excimer wavelengths. Subsequent fluorescence excitation of the resulting OH (OD) fragments yields dynamical information on the photofragmentation event and any resulting intracluster collisions. This technique is used to characterize spectroscopically the Π(101), vOH=3←Σ(000), vOH=0 overtone band of the Ar–HOD complex with an origin at 10648.27 cm-1. The effects of Ar complexation on the dissociation dynamics are inferred by comparison of the OD photofragment quantum state distributions resulting from dissociation of single rovibrational states of the complex with those from isolated HOD photodissociation. The important role played by the initial internal state of the complex is demonstrated by comparison of the current Ar–HOD data with previously published results for the Ar–H2O Σ(000)|03-> state. We interpret the dramatic differences in the dynamics of the two systems as manifestations of the nodal structure of the vibrational state in the parent complex and the way in which it governs the collision probability between the Ar atom and the escaping photofragments. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Velocity map imaging has been employed to study multi-photon fragmentation of vanadium monoxide (VO) via the C 4Σ− state. The fragmentation dynamics are interpreted in terms of dissociation at the three-photon level, with the first photon weakly resonant with transitions to vibrational energy levels of the C 4Σ− state. The dissociation channels accessed are shown to depend strongly on the vibrational level via which excitation takes place. Analysis of the evolution of the kinetic energy release spectrum with photon energy leads to a refined value for the dissociation energy of ground state VO of D0(VO) = 53 126 ± 263 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures of gas-phase group nine cation–nitrous oxide metal–ligand complexes, M+(N2O)n (M = Co, Rh, Ir; n = 2–7) have been determined by a combination of infrared photodissociation spectroscopy and density functional theory. The infrared spectra were recorded in the region of the N2O asymmetric (N=N) stretch using the inert messenger technique and show spectroscopically distinct features for N- and O-bound isomers. The evolution of the spectra with increasing ligand number is qualitatively different for each of the metal ions studied here with only Co+(N2O)n complexes behaving similarly to the coinage metal complexes studied previously. The rich variety of electronic and isomeric structures identified make these species attractive targets for infrared-driven, isomer selective intra-complex chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy (IR‐MPD) has been employed to determine the nature of CO2 binding to size‐selected platinum cluster anions, Ptn− (n=4–7). Interpreted in conjunction with density functional theory simulations, the results illustrate that the degree of CO2 activation can be controlled by the size of the metal cluster, with dissociative activation observed on all clusters n≥5. Of potential practical significance, in terms of the use of CO2 as a useful C1 feedstock, CO2 is observed molecularly‐bound, but highly activated, on the Pt4− cluster. It is trapped behind a barrier on the reactive potential energy surface which prevents dissociation. Dial‐up‐activation: Small gas‐phase platinum cluster anions show size‐dependence in their ability to activate carbon dioxide. On Pt4−, CO2 is highly activated but remains molecularly intact despite a dissociative global minimum structure. This is likely to be highly reactive towards other small molecules as a first step towards converting CO2 to more useful products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A combined spectroscopic and computational study of gas-phase Au+(CH4)n (n = 3-8) complexes reveals a strongly-bound linear Au+(CH4)2 core structure to which up to four additional ligands bind in a secondary coordination shell. Infrared resonance-enhanced photodissociation spectroscopy in the region of the CH4a1 and t2 fundamental transitions reveals essentially free internal rotation of the core ligands about the H4C-Au+-CH4 axis, with sharp spectral features assigned by comparison with spectral simulations based on density functional theory. In separate experiments, vibrationally-enhanced dehydrogenation is observed when the t2 vibrational normal mode in methane is excited prior to complexation. Clear infrared-induced enhancement is observed in the mass spectrum for peaks corresponding 4u below the mass of the Au+(CH4)n=2,3 complexes corresponding, presumably, to the loss of two H2 molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic field effect studies have been conducted on a variety of flavin-based radical pair systems chosen to model the magnetosensitivity of the photoinduced radical pairs found in cryptochrome flavoproteins. Cryptochromes are blue-light photoreceptor proteins which are thought to mediate avian magnetoreception, an hypothesis supported by recent in vitro observations of magnetic field-dependent reaction kinetics for a light-induced radical pair in a cryptochrome from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Many cryptochromes are difficult to express in large quantities or high concentrations and are easily photodegraded. Magnetic field effects are typically measured by spectroscopic detection of the transient radical (pair) concentrations. Due to its low sensitivity, single-pass transient absorption spectroscopy can be of limited use in such experiments and much recent work has involved development of other methodologies offering improved sensitivity. Here we explore the use of flavin fluorescence as the magnetosensitive probe and demonstrate the exceptional sensitivity of this technique which allows the detection of magnetic field effects in flavin samples at sub-nanomolar concentrations and in cryptochromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the observation of chemical reactions in gas-phase Rhn(N2O)m+ complexes driven by absorption of blackbody radiation. The experiments are performed under collision-free conditions in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Mid-infrared absorption by the molecularly adsorbed N2O moieties promotes a small fraction of the cluster distribution sufficiently to drive the N2O decomposition reaction, leading to the production of cluster oxides and the release of molecular nitrogen. N2O decomposition competes with molecular desorption and the branching ratios for the two processes show marked size effects, reflecting variations in the relative barriers. The rate of decay is shown to scale approximately linearly with the number of infrared chromophores. The experimental findings are interpreted in terms of calculated infrared absorption rates assuming a sudden-death limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The spectroscopy and UV photodissociation dynamics of Cu2 and CuO have been studied using a combination of one- and two-colour excitation and velocity map imaging. Resonant excitation of Cu2via the J ← X 1Σg+ transition leads to significant fragmentation which is interpreted in terms of a combination of direct dissociation of Cu2+ 2Π produced in the resonant two-photon ionization process and dissociation of excited Cu2 states above the ionization threshold. By fitting of the kinetic energy release spectra obtained from the velocity map images, we determine a value for the dissociation energy of the cation of D0 (Cu2+, X 2Σg+) of 1.713 ± 0.025 eV, which, when combined with known ionization energies, yields D0 (Cu2, X 1Σg+) = 1.886 ± 0.026 eV. In other experiments, resonant two colour (1 + 1′) excitation of CuO via a range of excited states (C, D, F, H), yields unusually simple VMI images indicating fragmentation into a single dissociation channel which has been identified as Cu* 2D3/2 + O* 1D. Taken together, this data gives a CuO bond dissociation energy of 3.041 ± 0.030 eV. Finally, the production of Cu2+ with kinetic energy = 705 ± 75 cm−1 is tentatively interpreted as photolysis of Cu3 yielding Cu* + Cu2 X 1Σg+ from which a dissociation energy of Cu3 of 0.605 ± 0.030 eV is deduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photodissociation dynamics of Xe2 Rydberg states in the 76,900–80,000 cm−1 region have been studied using a combination of resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization and velocity map imaging. By monitoring photodissociation product channels as a function of excitation energy, several localized and long range perturbations of the excited states have been identified. In addition, several new band systems have been observed and assigned as the Xe2 5d 2[1/2]0°  ← X , 5d 2[1/2]1°  ← X , 5d 2[3/2]2°  ← X , and 5d 2[7/2]3°  ← X transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) combined with phase-sensitive detection is employed to study the effects of static magnetic fields on radical recombination reactions. The chemical system comprises the photochemically generated thionine semiquinone radical and a 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) cationic radical in a micellar solution of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Data obtained using the modulated CEAS technique, describing the magnetic field effect (MFE) on reaction yields, are shown to be superior to those obtained using conventional transient absorption (TA) flash photolysis methods typically employed for these measurements. The high sensitivity afforded by modulated CEAS detection is discussed in terms of the new possibilities it offers such as the measurement of magnetic field effects in real biological systems which have hitherto been largely beyond the detection capabilities of existing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fact that many animals, including migratory birds, use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and compass-navigation is fascinating and puzzling in equal measure. The physical origin of these phenomena has not yet been fully understood, but arguably the most likely hypothesis is based on the radical pair mechanism (RPM). Whilst the theoretical framework of the RPM is well-established, most experimental investigations have been conducted at fields several orders of magnitude stronger than the Earth's. Here we use transient absorption spectroscopy to demonstrate a pronounced orientation-dependence of the magnetic field response of a molecular triad system in the field region relevant to avian magnetoreception. The chemical compass response exhibits the properties of an inclination compass as found in migratory birds. The results underline the feasibility of a radical pair based avian compass and also provide further guidelines for the design and operation of exploitable chemical compass systems. Many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation, yet the underlying principles are poorly understood. The authors show that a molecular triad acts as a chemical compass in magnetic fields of similar magnitude to that of the Earth, supporting the hypothesis that photo-initiated quantum processes underlie bird magnetoreception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila have been used as model organisms to explore both the biophysical mechanisms of animal magnetoreception and the possibility that weak, low-frequency anthropogenic electromagnetic fields may have biological consequences. In both cases, the presumed receptor is cryptochrome, a protein thought to be responsible for magnetic compass sensing in migratory birds and a variety of magnetic behavioural responses in insects. Here, we demonstrate that photo-induced electron transfer reactions in Drosophila melanogaster cryptochrome are indeed influenced by magnetic fields of a few millitesla. The form of the protein containing flavin and tryptophan radicals shows kinetics that differ markedly from those of closely related members of the cryptochrome-photolyase family. These differences and the magnetic sensitivity of Drosophila cryptochrome are interpreted in terms of the radical pair mechanism and a photocycle involving the recently discovered fourth tryptophan electron donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]