Optimal control of photoisomerization

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Feb 18;94(6):068305. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.068305. Epub 2005 Feb 18.

Abstract

We report on optimal control of the photoisomerization of 3,3-diethyl-2,2-thiacyanine iodide dissolved in methanol. Enhancement and reduction of the relative yield of cis to trans isomers are achieved; i.e., the quantum efficiency of the photoisomerization is controlled with optimally phase and amplitude shaped 400 nm femtosecond laser pulses. Single-parameter control schemes, like chirp or intensity variation, fail to change the ratio of the photoproducts. The successful modification of the molecular structure can be regarded as a first step towards controlled stereoselectivity in photochemistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbocyanines / chemistry*
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Isomerism
  • Photochemistry / methods*
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Carbocyanines
  • Coloring Agents