Abstract:
The advancement of ultrafast laser techniques enables scientists to track molecular movements in real time, just like taking series of snapshots with superfast shutter speed (compare with a femtosecond, or 10-15 second). However, shooting a movie of all the molecules in a bulk liquid solution is not possible experimentally (which is possible in computer simulations), in fact, one can only focus on a few important motions. In this talk, I will introduce the concept of using ultrafast spectroscopy to study solvation dynamics, which is a relaxation process of solvent after exciting the solute by a laser pulse. Traditional approach of studying solvation dynamics is called time-dependent fluorescence spectroscopy, which reports the evolution of solute’s emitted fluorescence. Still, one has to infer the changes in solvent structure from the concomitant evolution of the solute-solvent interaction energy. With method we developed, it is now possible to measure directly how the solvent dynamics can be affected by electronically excitation of the solute. Combining laser excitation of solute with light scattering, we can follow the solvent structural dynamics via novel solute-pump/solvent-probe spectroscopy. From computer simulations of these spectra, we show that one can learn about local solvent structural changes near the newly excited solute.
*Please note that tea and coffee reception will start at 4:30 PM. All are welcome!
NYU Shanghai STEM Seminar Series - Spring 2019
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April 03: Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
By Zhong-Lin Lu, Distinguished Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Psychology, and Director of the Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Ohio State University -
April 10: Cortical 'Ring' Models of Binocular Rivalry and Fusion
By David McLaughlin, Chief Science Mentor, Affiliated Professor of Mathematics and Neural Science, NYU Shanghai; Silver Professor of Mathematics and Neural Science, NYU -
April 17: What Do We See in Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Liquids?
By Xiang Sun, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, NYU Shanghai -
May 8: Limitations of Computers and How to Make Use of Them
By Siyao Guo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, NYU Shanghai; Global Network Assistant Professor, NYU -
May 15: Delineating Urban Park Catchment Area Using Mobile Data
By Chenghe Guan, Assistant Professor of Urban Design, NYU Shanghai
This event is for NYU Shanghai community. External attendees please RSVP HERE.