Delocalisation of photoexcited triplet states probed by transient EPR and hyperfine spectroscopy

An investigation of contributors to the spin exchange interactions in organic pentacene-radical dyads using quasi-degenerate perturbation theory

Chromophore-radical (C-R) dyads are a promising class of molecules with potential applications in magnetometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and quantum sensing. Given the vast chemical space that is possible in these systems, computational studies are vital to aid in the rational design of C-R molecules with desired electronic and spin properties. Multireference perturbation theory (MRPT) calculations have been shown to be useful for rationalizing spin correlations in C-R dyads. In this work we apply quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, specifically QD-NEVPT2, for the prediction of vertical transition energies (VTEs) as well as spin-correlation parameters in three-spin-center pentacene-radical dyads containing up to 153 atoms. We find that QD-NEVPT2 performs well in the prediction of JTR, the magnetic coupling parameter between the excited-state triplet and the radical, but underestimates VTEs; this underestimation is attributed to variational averaging over different spin states and active space limitations, and we show that addressing these shortcomings reduces error. The calculated magnitudes and signs of JTR are rationalized through molecular symmetry, coupling distance, and π-structure considerations. The predicted signs of JTR are consistent with and explained via mechanisms of kinetic and potential spin-exchange, allowing for future functional design of magnetic organic molecules. The role of active space choice on VTE accuracy and predicted magnetic coupling is additionally explored.

Teacups, a Python Package for the Simulation of Time-Resolved EPR Spectra of Spin-Polarized Multi-Spin Systems

Spin-polarized magnetic systems, generated by the interaction of photoactive molecules with light, play a key role in a wide range of scientific applications. Representative examples are OLEDs, organic photovoltaics, and singlet fission. Further, they are important intermediates in certain biological processes including photosynthesis and, possibly, avian magnetoreception. Transient continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (trEPR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool to reveal the temporal evolution of nonequilibrium spin states, which contains valuable information on any photoinduced dynamic processes occurring in these systems. For the analysis of the recorded trEPR data, simulations are essential. While the simulation of static trEPR spectra is supported well by tools like EasySpin, the simulation of time-resolved trEPR data is less developed. Here, we introduce teacups, a new freely available and well-documented Python-based routine for the simulation of the temporal evolution of trEPR spectra. The internal dynamics of different spin-polarized systems can be analyzed, thereby enhancing our mechanistic understanding. In this manuscript, we explain the theoretical background and provide a description of the features and setup of teacups. Further, a step-by-step example for data analysis is provided.

Thionated Coumarins: Study of the Intersystem Crossing and the Zero-field Splitting of the Triplet State Using Time-Resolved Transient Optical and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopies

To study the effect of thionation of the carbonyl groups in a chromophore, i. e. replacing the O atom with S atom, on the photophysics, we studied two thionated coumarin derivatives (Cou-S and Cou-6-S) with various steady state and transient spectroscopic methods. Both compounds exhibit red-shifted absorption (up to 4900 cm-1) and strong fluorescence quenching as compared to the unthionated analogues. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra show fast ISC (ca. 10 ps) in the thionated coumarin derivatives, while negligible ISC was observed in the unthionated coumarin. Interestingly, triplet excited state lifetimes of the thionated coumarin (0.14 μs) is much shorter than the unthionated analogues (53.4 μs). Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra indicate much larger zero field splitting (ZFS) D parameters (up to 0.287 cm-1) for the T1 state of the thionated coumarins than the unthionated analogues (D=0.1001 cm-1). This large D value is attributed to the strong spin orbital coupling effect. These results demonstrate the advantage and the drawback of thionation-enhanced ISC, i. e. the ISC is efficient, but triplet state lifetimes become substantially shorter. This information is useful for the future design of heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, photon upconversion, photocatalytic organic synthesis and photopolymerization, etc.

Long-lived light-induced electron spin polarization in porphyrin triplet states and the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect

The time dependence of the light-induced spin polarization of a series of porphyrins is reported. The porphyrins contain central elements from three distinct groups in the Periodic Table with different oxidation states, types, and numbers of axial ligands, as well as different peripheral substituents on the porphyrin ring. Shortly after photoexcitation, in all cases, the primary multiplet polarization of the porphyrin triplet state evolves into long-lived net polarization whose lifetime is determined by the lifetime of the triplet state. The zero-field splitting parameters and sign of the multiplet polarization vary significantly among the porphyrins, but the transient EPR spectra taken at later times are remarkably similar. The development of long-lived net polarization is proposed to involve the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect, in which hopping between the two lowest triplet states occurs.

Topological defects in semiconducting carbon nanotubes as triplet exciton traps and single-photon emitters

We investigate how topological defects influence the excitonic behavior in (6,5) semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes. Our theoretical study demonstrates that topological defects, particularly the widely occurring Stone-Wales defect, can act as efficient traps for triplet excitons, characterized by significant zero-field splitting consistent with experimental data and a small singlet-triplet energy gap. Additionally, the weak electron-phonon coupling positions these defects as promising candidates for single-photon emission at telecom wavelengths (1.6 μm). These findings pave the way for enhancing the performance of carbon nanotube-based quantum light sources and optoelectronic devices.

Declined S1 but Constant T1 Energy: Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence with Triplet Blocking Effect

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules have been widely investigated in organic light emitting diodes (OLED), organic lasing, etc. Small singlet-triplet energy gap (ΔEST) and high radiative rate constants (kF) are highly desired to utilize triplet excitons efficiently and are beneficial to reduce efficiency roll-off of devices of OLED devices. The prevalent TADF molecules are via donor-acceptor molecular design, for which the decreasing of the ΔEST is often at the expense of reducing the kF. Herein, we demonstrated a new ΔEST modulation approach to construct TADF with high kF, based on triplet blocking effect, i.e., the extension of π-conjugation of a triplet constrainer (IB) leads to a gradually red-shifted S1 but a constant T1 energy and therefore reduced ΔEST controlled from monomer (IB), monomer-linker (IB-BF2), to dimer of IB-BF2-IB. The natural transition orbital analysis indicates that S1 state is delocalized while T1 state is localized as confirmed by time resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Therefore, the ΔEST is reduced from 0.60 eV, 0.46 eV to 0.25 eV, while keeping faster radiation rate (around 108 s-1) than that of conventional donor-acceptor molecules (106∼107 s-1). As a result, the emission mechanisms are regulated from fluorescence for IB, phosphorescence/TADF dual emissions for IB-BF2 to TADF for IB-BF2-IB. This paper proposed a new approach of ΔEST modulation and a new type of TADF molecule with high radiation rate, which is crucial for fundamental photophysics as well as material science.

Intersystem Crossing, Photo-Induced Charge Separation and Regioisomer-Specific Excited State Dynamics in Fully Rigid Spiro Rhodammine-Naphthalene/Anthraquinone Electron Donor-Acceptor Dyads

We prepared a series fully rigid spiro electron donor-acceptor orthogonal dyads, with closed form of rhodamine (Rho) as electron donor and naphthalene (Np)/anthraquinone (AQ) as electron acceptor, to access the long-lived triplet charge separation (3CS) state, via the electron spin control method. We found strong dependency of the photophysical property of the dyads on the amino substitution positions of the Np chromophores in the dyads 1,8-DaNp-Rho and 2,3-DaNp-Rho. Nanosecond transient absorption (ns-TA) spectra show the population of the 3LE state (lifetime: 47 μs) for 2,3-DaNp-Rho, however, long-lived 3CS state was observed (τCS=0.62 μs) for AQ-Rho, with a CS quantum yield of ΦCS=58 %. Based on femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectra, spin orbit charge transfer ISC (SOCT-ISC) is proposed to be responsible for the formation of the triplet states. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra of AQ-Rho indicate the presence of two states, a 3LE state with zero field splitting (ZFS) D parameter of 1400 MHz and E parameter of -410 MHz, formed via radical pair ISC (RP-ISC) and SOCT-ISC mechanism; and a 3CS state with the electron spin-spin interaction in the regime of spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP).

The Photophysics of Naphthalimide-Phenoselenazine Electron Donor-Acceptor Dyads: Revisiting the Heavy-Atom Effect in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence

We prepared thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter dyads, NI-PTZ, NI-PTZ-2Br and NI-PSeZ, with naphthalimide (NI) as electron acceptor and 10H-phenothiazine (PTZ) or 10H-phenoselenazine (PSeZ) as electron donor to study the heavy-atom effect on the intersystem crossing (ISC) and reverse ISC (rISC) in the TADF emitters. The delayed fluorescence lifetimes of the dyads containing heavy atoms (τ D F ${{\tau }_{{\rm D}{\rm F}}}$ =5.9 μs for NI-PSeZ andτ D F ${{\tau }_{{\rm D}{\rm F}}}$ =16.5 μs for NI-PTZ-2Br, respectively) are longer than the heavy atom-free counterpart NI-PTZ (τ D F ${{\tau }_{{\rm D}{\rm F}}}$ =2.0 μs). Nanosecond transient absorption (ns-TA) spectral study and the time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra show the presence of both 3LE and 3CS states. These findings represent solid experimental evidences for the spin-vibronic coupling mechanism of TADF. Moreover, the ns-TA spectra show that the heavy atoms don't have a significant effect since the lifetime of the triplet transient species (1.3 μs for NI-PTZ) is not shortened in their presence (4.5 μs for NI-PSeZ and 5.3 μs for NI-PTZ-2Br). These results show that the previously claimed heavy-atom effect on rISC and TADF is not a universal principle. The femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectra of the compounds indicate the occurrence of fast charge separation within 1-2 ps, and the charge recombination is slow (>4 ns).

Time-resolved transient optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of electron donor-acceptor thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters based on naphthalimide-phenothiazine dyads

The photophysics of naphthalimide (NI)-phenothiazine (PTZ) dyads were investigated as electron donor-acceptor (D-A) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. Femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectra show that the photophysical processes in non-polar solvents are in singlet localized state (1LE, τ = 0.8 ps) → Franck-Condon singlet charge separation state (1CS, τ = 7.8 ps) → 1CS state (τ = 2.2 ns) → triplet state (3LE, τ = 16 μs). The 3LE state is formed via the spin-orbit charge transfer-intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC) mechanism rather than the spin-orbit (SO)-ISC mechanism. In a polar solvent, the CS state has a much lower energy than the 3LE state; thus, the 3LE state is absent from the photophysical processes and no TADF was observed. Moreover, we found that the delayed fluorescence lifetime is related to the low-lying triplet state (3LE or 3CS states). When the 3CS state is the low-lying triplet state, the TADF lifetime is shorter than that of the 3LE state as the low-lying triplet state. In the time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra, both 3LE (zero field splitting parameter D = 2250 MHz, E = -150 MHz) and 3CS (D = 430 MHz, E = 0 MHz) states were observed. It is noteworthy that the electron spin polarization (ESP) phase pattern of the 3CS state was inverted at longer delay times as a consequence of the selective transition between the 3LE and 3CS states and a faster decay of one sublevel of the 3CS state. These results are strong and direct experimental evidence for the spin-vibronic coupling mechanism of TADF.

Microsecond triplet emission from organic chromophore-transition metal dichalcogenide hybrids via through-space spin orbit proximity effect

Efficient light generation from triplet states of organic molecules has been a hot yet demanding topic in academia and the display industry. Herein, we propose a strategy for developing triplet emitter by creating heterostructures of organic chromophores and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These heterostructures emit microsecond phosphorescence at room temperature, while their organic chromophores intrinsically exhibit millisecond phosphorescence under vibration dissipation-free conditions. This enhancement in phosphorescence is indicative of significantly enhanced spin-orbit coupling efficiency through coupling with TMDs. Through detailed studies on these hybrids from various perspectives, we elucidate key features of each component essential for generating microsecond triplet emission, including 2H-TMDs with heavy transition metals and aromatic carbonyl with an ortho-hydroxy group. Our intriguing findings open avenues for exploring the universal applicability of fast and stable hybrid triplet emitters.

Mechanism of Solid-State 1H Photochemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization in a Synthetic Donor-Chromophore-Acceptor at 0.3 T

1H photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) has recently emerged as a tool to enhance bulk 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals in solids at magnetic fields ranging from 0.3 to 21.1 T, using synthetic donor-chromophore-acceptor (D-C-A) molecules as optically active polarizing agents (PAs). However, the mechanisms at play for the generation of spin polarization in these systems have not been determined but are essential for an in-depth understanding and further development of the process. Here, we introduce site-selective deuteration to identify the 1H photo-CIDNP mechanisms at 85 K and 0.3 T in D-C-A molecule PhotoPol. We find that the protons on the acceptor moiety are essential for the generation of polarization, establishing differential relaxation as the main mechanism. These results establish selective deuteration as a tool to identify and suppress polarization transfer mechanisms, which opens up pathways for further optimization of the optical PA at both low and high magnetic fields.

Electron Spin Dynamics of the Intersystem Crossing in Aminoanthraquinone Derivatives: The Spectral Telltale of Short Triplet Excited States

We studied the excited state dynamics of two bis-amino substituted anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives, with absorption in the visible spectral region, which results from the attachment of a electron-donating group to the electron-deficient AQ chromophore. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra show that intersystem crossing (ISC) takes place in 190-320 ps, and nanosecond transient absorption spectra demonstrated an unusually short triplet state lifetime (2.06-5.43 μs) for the two AQ derivatives. Pulsed laser-excited time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra show an inversion of the electron spin polarization (ESP) phase pattern of the triplet state at a longer delay time after laser flash. Spectral simulations show faster decay of the Ty sublevel than the other two sublevels (τx = 15.0 μs, τy = 1.50 μs, τz = 15.0 μs); theoretical computation predicts initial overpopulation of the Ty sublevel, and rationalizes the short T1 state lifetime and the ESP inversion. Theoretical computations taking into account the electron-vibrational coupling, i.e., the Herzberg-Teller effect, successfully rationalize the TREPR experimental observations.

Origin of Intersystem Crossing in Red-Light Absorbing Bodipy Derivatives: Time-Resolved Transient Optical and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectral Studies with Twisted and Planar Compounds

We studied the intersystem crossing (ISC) property of red-light absorbing heavy atom-free dihydronaphtho[b]-fused Bodipy derivatives (with phenyl group attached at the lower rim via ethylene bridge, taking constrained geometry, i.e., BDP-1 and the half-oxidized product BDP-2) and dispiroflourene[b]-fused Bodipy (BDP-3) that have a twisted π-conjugated framework. BDP-1 and BDP-3 show strong and sharp absorption bands (i.e., ε = 2.0 × 105 M-1 cm-1 at 639 nm, fwhm ∼491 cm-1 for BDP-3). BDP-1 is significantly twisted (φ = 21.6°), while upon mono-oxidation, BDP-2 becomes nearly planar on the oxidized side (φ = 3.5°). Interestingly, BDP-2 showed efficient ISC (triplet state quantum yield, ΦT = 40%) due to S1/T2 state energy matching. Long-lived triplet excited state was observed (τT = 212 μs in solution and 2.4 ms in polymer matrix), and ISC takes 4.0 ns. Differently, twisted BDP-1 gives weak ISC only 5%, ISC takes 7.7 ns, and the triplet state is populated only with addition of ethyl iodide. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of BDP-1 revealed the coexistence of two triplet states, with drastically different zero-field splitting D parameters of -2047 MHz and -1370 MHz, respectively, along with varying sublevel population ratios. We demonstrate that the ISC is not necessarily enhanced by torsion of the π-conjugation framework; instead, S1/Tn state energy matching is more efficient to induce ISC even in compounds that have planar molecular structures.

Tailoring Coherent Microwave Emission from a Solid-State Hybrid System for Room-Temperature Microwave Quantum Electronics

Quantum electronics operating in the microwave domain are burgeoning and becoming essential building blocks of quantum computers, sensors, and communication devices. However, the field of microwave quantum electronics has long been dominated by the need for cryogenic conditions to maintain delicate quantum characteristics. Here, a solid-state hybrid system, constituted by a photo-excited pentacene triplet spin ensemble coupled to a dielectric resonator, is reported for the first time capable of both coherent microwave quantum amplification and oscillation at X band via the masing process at room temperature. By incorporating external driving and active dissipation control into the hybrid system, efficient tuning of the maser emission characteristics at ≈9.4 GHz is achieved, which is key to optimizing the performance of the maser device. The work not only pushes the boundaries of the operating frequency and functionality of the existing pentacene masers but also demonstrates a universal route for controlling the masing process at room temperature, highlighting opportunities for optimizing emerging solid-state masers for quantum information processing and communication.

Charge and Spin Transfer Dynamics in a Weakly Coupled Porphyrin Dimer

The dynamics of electron and spin transfer in the radical cation and photogenerated triplet states of a tetramethylbiphenyl-linked zinc-porphyrin dimer were investigated, so as to test the relevant parameters for the design of a single-molecule spin valve and the creation of a novel platform for the photogeneration of high-multiplicity spin states. We used a combination of multiple techniques, including variable-temperature continuous wave EPR, pulsed proton electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR), transient EPR, and optical spectroscopy. The conclusions are further supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and comparison to reference compounds. The low-temperature cw-EPR and room-temperature near-IR spectra of the dimer monocation demonstrate that the radical cation is spatially localized on one side of the dimer at any point in time, not coherently delocalized over both porphyrin units. The EPR spectra at 298 K reveal rapid hopping of the radical spin density between both sites of the dimer via reversible intramolecular electron transfer. The hyperfine interactions are modulated by electron transfer and can be quantified using ENDOR spectroscopy. This allowed simulation of the variable-temperature cw-EPR spectra with a two-site exchange model and provided information on the temperature-dependence of the electron transfer rate. The electron transfer rates range from about 10.0 MHz at 200 K to about 53.9 MHz at 298 K. The activation enthalpies Δ‡H of the electron transfer were determined as Δ‡H = 9.55 kJ mol-1 and Δ‡H = 5.67 kJ mol-1 in a 1:1:1 solvent mixture of CD2Cl2/toluene-d8/THF-d8 and in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, respectively, consistent with a Robin-Day class II mixed valence compound. These results indicate that the interporphyrin electronic coupling in a tetramethylbiphenyl-linked porphyrin dimer is suitable for the backbone of a single-molecule spin valve. Investigation of the spin density distribution of the photogenerated triplet state of the Zn-porphyrin dimer reveals localization of the triplet spin density on a nanosecond time scale on one-half of the dimer at 20 K in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and at 250 K in a polyvinylcarbazole film. This establishes the porphyrin dimer as a molecular platform for the formation of a localized, photogenerated triplet state on one porphyrin unit that is coupled to a second redox-active, ground-state porphyrin unit, which can be explored for the formation of high-multiplicity spin states.

Multiple Pathways in the Triplet States Population for a Naphthalenediimide-C60 Dyad

The link of an antenna dye with an electron spin converter, in this case naphthalenediimide and C60, produces a system with a rich photophysics including the detection of more than one triplet state on the long timescale (tens of μs). Beside the use of optical spectroscopies in the ns and in the fs time scale, we used time-resolved Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (TREPR) to study the system evolution following photoexcitation. TREPR keeps track of the formation path of the triplet states through specific spin polarization patterns observed in the spectra. The flexibility of the linker and solvent polarity play a role in favouring either electron transfer or energy transfer processes.

Deciphering the doublet luminescence mechanism in neutral organic radicals: spin-exchange coupling, reversed-quartet mechanism, excited-state dynamics

Neutral organic radical molecules have recently attracted considerable attention as promising luminescent and quantum-information materials. However, the presence of a radical often shortens their excited-state lifetime and results in fluorescence quenching due to enhanced intersystem crossing (EISC). Recently, an experimental report introduced an efficient luminescent radical molecule, tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl-carbazole-anthracene (TTM-1Cz-An). In this study, we systematically performed quantum theoretical calculations combined with the path integral approach to quantitatively calculate the excited-state dynamics processes and spectral characteristics. Our theoretical findings suggest that the sing-doublet D1 state, originating from the anthracene excited singlet state, is quickly converted to the doublet (trip-doublet) state via EISC, facilitated by a significant nonequivalence exchange interaction, with ΔJ ST = 0.174 cm-1. The formation of the quartet state (Q1, trip-quartet) was predominantly dependent on the exchange coupling 3/2J TR = 0.086 cm-1 between the triplet spin electrons of anthracene and the TTM-1Cz radical. Direct spin-orbit coupling ISC to the Q1 state was minimal due to the nearly identical spatial wavefunctions of the and Q1 levels. The effective occurrence of reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) from the Q1 to D1 state is a critical step in controlling the luminescence of TTM-1Cz-An. The calculated RISC rate k RISC, including the Herzberg-Teller effect, was 3.64 × 105 s-1 at 298 K, significantly exceeding the phosphorescence and nonradiative rates of the Q1 state, thus enabling the D1 repopulation. Subsequently, a strong electronic coupling of 37.4 meV was observed between the D1 and D2 states, along with a dense manifold of doublet states near the D1 state energy, resulting in a larger reverse internal conversion rate k RIC of 9.26 × 1010 s-1. Distributed to the D2 state, the obtained emission rate of k f = 2.98-3.18 × 107 s-1 was in quite good agreement with the experimental value of 1.28 × 107 s-1, and its temperature effect was not remarkable. Our study not only provides strong support for the experimental findings but also offers valuable insights for the molecular design of high-efficiency radical emitters.

Photophysics and photochemistry of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters based on the multiple resonance effect: transient optical and electron paramagnetic resonance studies

The photochemistry of two representative thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters based on the multiple resonance effect (MRE) (DABNA-1 and DtBuCzB) was studied. No significant TADF was observed in fluid solution, although the compounds have a long-lived triplet state (ca. 30 μs). We found that these planar boron molecules bind with Lewis bases, e.g., 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) or an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). A new blue-shifted absorption band centered at 368 nm was observed for DtBuCzB upon formation of the adduct; however, the fluorescence of the adduct is the same as that of the free DtBuCzB. We propose that photo-dissociation occurs for the DtBuCzB-DMAP adduct, which is confirmed by femtosecond transient absorption spectra, implying that fluorescence originates from DtBuCzB produced by photo-dissociation; the subsequent in situ re-binding was observed with nanosecdon transient absorption spectroscopy. No photo-dissociation was observed for the NHC adduct. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra show that the triplet states of DABNA-1 and DtBuCzB have similar zero field splitting (ZFS) parameters (D = 1450 MHz). Theoretical studies show that the slow ISC is due to small SOC and weak Herzberg-Teller coupling, although the S1/T1 energy gap is small (0.14 eV), which rationalizes the lack of TADF.

Radical enhanced intersystem crossing mechanism, electron spin dynamics of high spin states and their applications in the design of heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers

Heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers (PSs) can overcome the high cost and biological toxicity of traditional molecular systems containing heavy atoms (such as Pt(II), Ir(III), Ru(II), Pd(II), Lu(III), I, or Br atoms) and, therefore, are developing rapidly. Connecting a stable free radical to the chromophore can promote the intersystem crossing (ISC) process through electron spin exchange interaction to produce the triplet state of the chromophore or the doublet (D) and quartet (Q) states when taking the whole spin system into account. These molecular systems based on the radical enhanced ISC (REISC) mechanism are important in the field of heavy atom-free triplet PSs. The REISC system has a simple molecular structure and good biocompatibility, and it is especially helpful for building high-spin quantum states (D and Q states) that have the potential to be developed as qubits in quantum information science. This review introduces the molecular structure design for the purpose of high-spin states. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) is the most important characterization method to reveal the properties of these molecular systems, generation mechanism and electron spin polarization (ESP) of the high spin states. The spin polarization manipulation of high spin states and potential application in the field of quantum information engineering are also summarized. Moreover, molecular design principles of the REISC system to obtain long absorption wavelength, high triplet state quantum yield and long triplet state lifetime are introduced, as well as applications of the compounds in triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion, photodynamic therapy and bioimaging. This review is useful for the design of heavy atom-free triplet PSs based on the radical-chromophore molecular structure motif and the study of the photophysics of the compounds, as well as the electron spin dynamics of the multi electron system upon photoexcitation.

A Rational Way to Control the Triplet State Wave Function Confinement of Organic Chromophores: Effect of the Connection Sites and Spin Density Distribution-Guided Molecular Structure Design Principles in Bodipy Dimers

To study the intersystem crossing (ISC) and the spatial confinement of the triplet excited states of organic chromophores, we prepared a series of Bodipy dimers. We found that the connection position of the two units has a significant effect on the absorption and fluorescence. Singlet oxygen quantum yields of 3.8-12.4% were observed for the dimers, which are independent of solvent polarity. Nanosecond transient absorption spectra indicate the population of long-lived triplet excited states with lifetimes (τT) of 45-454 μs. Pulsed laser-excited time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra show that the T1 triplet states are essentially delocalized, which is different from the case for the previously reported Bodipy dimers. The TREPR spectra of the triplet states imply that the delocalization over the whole dimer essentially depends on the electron density of the carbon atoms at the connection sites. This property may become a universal rule for controlling the T1 state confinement in multichromophore organic molecules.

Decorrelated singlet and triplet exciton delocalization in acetylene-bridged Zn-porphyrin dimers

The controlled delocalization of molecular excitons remains an important goal towards the application of organic chromophores in processes ranging from light-initiated chemical transformations to classical and quantum information processing. In this study, we present a methodology to couple optical and magnetic spectroscopic techniques and assess the delocalization of singlet and triplet excitons in model molecular chromophores. By comparing the steady-state and time-resolved optical spectra of Zn-porphyrin monomers and weakly coupled dimers, we show that we can use the identity of substituents bound at specific positions of the macromolecules' rings to control the inter-ring delocalization of singlet excitons stemming from their B states through acetylene bridges. While broadened steady-state absorption spectra suggest the presence of delocalized B state excitons in mesityl-substituted Zn-tetraphenyl porphyrin dimers (Zn2U-D), we confirm this conclusion by measuring an enhanced ultrafast non-radiative relaxation from these inter-ring excitonic states to lower lying electronic states relative to their monomer. In contrast to the delocalized nature of singlet excitons, we use time-resolved EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies to show that the triplet states of the Zn-porphyrin dimers remain localized on one of the two macrocyclic sub-units. We use the analysis of EPR and ENDOR measurements on unmetallated model porphyrin monomers and dimers to support this conclusion. The results of DFT calculations also support the interpretation of localized triplet states. These results demonstrate researchers cannot conclude triplet excitons delocalize in macromolecular based on the presence of spatially extended singlet excitons, which can help in the design of chromophores for application in spin conversion and information processing technologies.

Oriented Triplet Excitons as Long-Lived Electron Spin Qutrits in a Molecular Donor-Acceptor Single Cocrystal

The photogeneration of multiple unpaired electron spins within molecules is a promising route to applications in quantum information science because they can be initialized into well-defined, multilevel quantum states (S > 1/2) and reproducibly fabricated by chemical synthesis. However, coherent manipulation of these spin states is difficult to realize in typical molecular systems due to the lack of selective addressability and short coherence times of the spin transitions. Here, these challenges are addressed by using donor-acceptor single cocrystals composed of pyrene and naphthalene dianhydride to host spatially oriented triplet excitons, which exhibit promising photogenerated qutrit properties. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy demonstrates that spatially orienting triplet excitons in a single crystal platform imparts narrow, well-resolved, tunable resonances in the triplet EPR spectrum, allowing selective addressability of the spin sublevel transitions. Pulse-EPR spectroscopy reveals that at temperatures above 30 K, spin decoherence of these triplet excitons is driven by exciton diffusion. However, coherence is limited by electronic spin dipolar coupling below 30 K, where T2 varies nonlinearly with the optical excitation density due to exciton annihilation. Overall, an optimized coherence time of T2 = 7.1 μs at 20 K is achieved. These results provide important insights into designing solid-state molecular excitonic materials with improved spin qutrit properties.

Singlet-Triplet Energy Inversion in Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts

Time-resolved EPR (TR-EPR) demonstrates the formation of well-defined spin triplet excitons in carbon nitride. This permits to experimentally probe the extent of the triplet wavefunction which delocalizes over several tri-s-triazine units. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the TR-EPR signal reveals the mobility of the triplet excitons. By employing monochromatic light excitation in the range 430-600 nm, the energy of the spin triplet is estimated to be ≈0.2 eV above the conduction band edge, proving that the triplet exciton lies above the corresponding singlet. Comparison between amorphous and graphitic forms establishes the singlet-triplet inversion as a general feature of carbon nitride materials.

Efficient Spin-Orbit Charge-Transfer Intersystem Crossing and Slow Intramolecular Triplet-Triplet Energy Transfer in Bodipy-Perylenebisimide Compact Dyads and Triads

Bodipy (BDP)-perylenebisimide (PBI) donor-acceptor dyads/triad were prepared to study the spin-orbit charge-transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC). For BDP-PBI-3, in which BDP was attached at the imide position of PBI, higher singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ =85 %) was observed than the bay-substituted derivative BDP-PBI-1 (ΦΔ =30 %). Femtosecond transient absorption spectra indicate slow Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET; 40.4 ps) and charge separation (CS; 1.55 ns) in BDP-PBI-3, while for BDP-PBI-1, CS takes 2.8 ps. For triad BDP-PBI-2, ultrafast FRET (149 fs) and CS (4.7 ps) process were observed, the subsequent charge recombination (CR) takes 5.8 ns and long-lived 3 PBI* (179.8 μs) state is populated. Nanosecond transient absorption spectra of BDP-PBI-3 show that the CR gives upper triplet excited state (3 BDP*) and subsequently, via a slow intramolecular triplet energy transfer (14.5 μs), the 3 PBI* state is finally populated, indicating that upper triplet state is involved in SOCT-ISC. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that both radical pair ISC (RP ISC) and SOCT-ISC contribute to the ISC. A rare electron spin polarization of (e, e, e, e, e, e) was observed for the triplet state formed via the RP ISC mechanism, due to the S-T+1 /T0 states mixing.

Polarizing agents beyond pentacene for efficient triplet dynamic nuclear polarization in glass matrices

Triplet dynamic nuclear polarization (triplet-DNP) is a technique that can obtain high nuclear polarization under moderate conditions. However, in order to obtain practically useful polarization, large single crystals doped with a polarizing agent must be strictly oriented with respect to the magnetic field to sharpen the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra, which is a fatal problem that prevents its application to truly useful biomolecular targets. Instead of this conventional physical approach of controlling crystal orientation, here, we propose a chemical approach, i.e., molecular design of polarizing agents; pentacene molecules, the most typical triplet-DNP polarizing agent, are modified so as to make the triplet electron distribution wider and more isotropic without loss of the triplet polarization. The thiophene-modified pentacene exhibits a sharper and stronger ESR spectrum than the parent pentacene, and state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations revealed that the direction of the spin polarization is altered by the modification with thiophene moieties and the size of D and E parameters are reduced from parent pentacene due to the partial delocalization of spin densities on the thiophene moieties. The triplet-DNP with the new polarizing agent successfully exceeds the previous highest 1H polarization of glassy materials by a factor of 5. This demonstrates the feasibility of a polarizing agent that can surpass pentacene, the best polarizing agent for more than 30 y since triplet-DNP was first reported, in the unoriented state. This work provides a pathway toward practically useful high nuclear polarization of various biomolecules by triplet-DNP.

Direct Comparison between Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Light-Induced Triplet-Triplet Electron Resonance Spectroscopy

To carry out reliable and comprehensive structural investigations, the exploitation of different complementary techniques is required. Here, we report that dual triplet-spin/fluorescent labels enable the first parallel distance measurements by electron spin resonance (ESR) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) on exactly the same molecules with orthogonal chromophores, allowing for direct comparison. An improved light-induced triplet-triplet electron resonance method with 2-color excitation is used, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the data and yielding a distance distribution that provides greater insight than the single distance resulting from FRET.

The impact of spin-orbit coupling on fine-structure and spin polarisation in photoexcited porphyrin triplet states

The photoexcited triplet states of porphyrins show great promise for applications in the fields of opto-electronics, photonics, molecular wires, and spintronics. The magnetic properties of porphyrin triplet states are most conveniently studied by time-resolved continuous wave and pulse electron spin resonance (ESR). This family of techniques is singularly able to probe small yet essential details of triplet states: zero-field splittings, g-anisotropy, spin polarisation, and hyperfine interactions. These characteristics are linked to spin-orbit coupling (SOC) which is known to have a strong influence on photophysical properties such as intersystem crossing rates. The present study explores SOC effects induced by the presence of Pd2+ in various porphyrin architectures. In particular, the impact of this relativistic interaction on triplet state fine-structure and spin polarisation is investigated. These properties are probed using time-resolved ESR complemented by electron-nuclear double resonance. The findings of this study could influence the future design of molecular spintronic devices. The Pd2+ ion may be incorporated into porphyrin molecular wires as a way of controlling spin polarisation.

A Single-Crystal Monomer to Single-Crystal Polymer Reaction Activated by a Triplet Excimer in a Zipper Mechanism

A combined experimental and theoretical study focused on the elucidation of the polymerization mechanism of the crystal monomer to crystal polymer reaction of a bisindenedione compound in the solid state. The experimental description and characterization of the polymer product have been reported elsewhere and, in this article, we address the first detailed description of the polymerization process. This reaction pathway consists of the initial formation of a triplet excimer state that relaxes to an intermolecularly bonded triplet state that is the starting point of the propagation step of the polymerization. The overall process can be visualized in the monomer starting state as an open zipper in which a cursor or slider is formed by light absorption and the whole zipper is then closed by propagation of the cursor. To this end, variable-temperature electron spin resonance (ESR), femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, and vibrational Raman spectroscopic data have been implemented in combination with quantum chemical calculations. The presented mechanistic insight is of great value to understand the intricacies of such an important reaction and to envisage and diversify the products produced thereof.

Revealing light-induced structural shifts in G-quadruplex-porphyrin complexes: a pulsed dipolar EPR study

The binding of G-quadruplex structures (G4s) with photosensitizers is of considerable importance in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery due to their promising potential in photodynamic therapy applications. G4s can experience structural changes as a result of ligand interactions and light exposure. Understanding these modifications is essential to uncover the fundamental biological roles of the complexes and optimize their therapeutic potential. The structural diversity of G4s makes it challenging to study their complexes with ligands, necessitating the use of various complementary methods to fully understand these interactions. In this study, we introduce, for the first time, the application of laser-induced dipolar EPR as a method to characterize G-quadruplex DNA complexes containing photosensitizers and to investigate light-induced structural modifications in these systems. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we studied complexes of the human telomeric G-quadruplex (HTel-22) with cationic 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridinio) porphyrin tetra(p-toluenesulfonate) (TMPyP4). In addition to showcasing a new methodology, we also aimed to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying photoinduced HTel-22/TMPyP4 structural changes, thereby aiding in the advancement of approaches targeting G4s in photodynamic therapy. EPR revealed G-quadruplex unfolding and dimer formation upon light exposure. Our findings demonstrate the potential of EPR spectroscopy for examining G4 complexes with photosensitizers and contribute to a better understanding of G4s' interactions with ligands under light.

Long-Lived Charge-Separated State in Naphthalimide-Phenothiazine Compact Electron Donor-Acceptor Dyads: Effect of Molecular Conformation Restriction and Solvent Polarity

To study the charge separation (CS) and long-lived CS state, we prepared a series of dyads based on naphthalimide (NI, electron acceptor) and phenothiazine (PTZ, electron donor), with an intervening phenyl linker attached on the N-position of both moieties. The purpose is to exploit the electron spin control effect to prolong the CS-state lifetime by formation of the 3CS state, instead of the ordinary 1CS state, the spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP), or the free ion pairs. The electronic coupling magnitude is tuned by conformational restriction exerted by the methyl groups on the phenyl linker. Differently from the previously reported NI-PTZ analogues containing long and flexible linkers, we observed a significant CS emission band centered at ca. 600 nm and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with a lifetime of 13.8 ns (population ratio: 42%)/321.6 μs (56%). Nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy indicates that in cyclohexane (CHX), only the 3NI* state was observed (lifetime τ = 274.7 μs), in acetonitrile (ACN), only the CS state was observed (τ = 1.4 μs), whereas in a solvent with intermediate polarity, such as toluene (TOL), both the 3NI* (shorter-lived) and the CS states were observed. Observation of the long-lived CS state in ACN, yet lack of TADF, confirms the spin-vibronic coupling theoretical model of TADF. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy indicates that charge separation occurs in both nonpolar and polar solvents, with time constants ranging from less than 1 ps in ACN to ca. 60 ps in CHX. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra indicate the existence of the 3NI* and CS states for the dyads upon photoexcitation. The electron spin-spin dipole interaction magnitude of the radical anion and cation of the CS state is intermediate between that of a typical SCRP and a 3CS state, suggesting that the long CS-state lifetime is partially due to the electron spin control effect.

The electronic structure and dynamics of the excited triplet state of octaethylaluminum(III)-porphyrin investigated with advanced EPR methods

The photoexcited triplet state of octaethylaluminum(III)-porphyrin (AlOEP) was investigated by time-resolved Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Electron Nuclear Double Resonance and Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation in an organic glass at 10 and 80 K. This main group element porphyrin is unusual because the metal has a small ionic radius and is six-coordinate with axial covalent and coordination bonds. It is not known whether triplet state dynamics influence its magnetic resonance properties as has been observed for some transition metal porphyrins. Together with density functional theory modelling, the magnetic resonance data of AlOEP allow the temperature dependence of the zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters, D and E, and the proton AZZ hyperfine coupling (hfc) tensor components of the methine protons, in the zero-field splitting frame to be determined. The results provide evidence that the ZFS, hfc and spin-lattice relaxation are indeed influenced by the presence of a dynamic process that is discussed in terms of Jahn-Teller dynamic effects. Thus, these effects should be taken into account when interpreting EPR data from larger complexes containing AlOEP.

Preparation of Xanthene-TEMPO Dyads: Synthesis and Study of the Radical Enhanced Intersystem Crossing

We prepared a rhodamine-TEMPO chromophore-radical dyad (RB-TEMPO) to study the radical enhanced intersystem crossing (REISC). The visible light-harvesting chromophore rhodamine is connected with the TEMPO (a nitroxide radical) via a C-N bond. The UV-vis absorption spectrum indicates negligible electron interaction between the two units at the ground state. Interestingly, the fluorescence of the rhodamine moiety is strongly quenched in RB-TEMPO, and the fluorescence lifetime of the rhodamine moiety is shortened to 0.29 ns, from the lifetime of 3.17 ns. We attribute this quenching effect to the intramolecular electron spin-spin interaction between the nitroxide radical and the photoexcited rhodamine chromophore. Nanosecond transient absorption spectra confirm the REISC in RB-TEMPO, indicated by the detection of the rhodamine chromophore triplet excited state; the lifetime was determined as 128 ns, which is shorter than the native rhodamine triplet state lifetime (0.58 μs). The zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters of the triplet state of the chromophore were determined with the pulsed laser excited time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra. RB-TEMPO was used as a photoinitiator for the photopolymerization of pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). These studies are useful for the design of heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers, the study of the ISC, and the electron spin dynamics of the radical-chromophore systems upon photoexcitation.

Origin of intersystem crossing in highly distorted organic molecules: a case study with red light-absorbing N,N,O,O-boron-chelated Bodipys

To explore the relationship between the twisted π-conjugation framework of aromatic chromophores and the efficacy of intersystem crossing (ISC), we have studied a N,N,O,O-boron-chelated Bodipy derivative possessing a severely distorted molecular structure. Surprisingly, this chromophore is highly fluorescent, showing inefficient ISC (singlet oxygen quantum yield, Φ_Δ = 12%). These features differ from those of helical aromatic hydrocarbons, where the twisted framework promotes ISC. We attribute the inefficient ISC to a large singlet-triplet energy gap (ΔE_S1/T1 = 0.61 eV). This postulate is tested by critical examination of a distorted Bodipy having an anthryl unit at the meso-position, for which Φ_Δ is increased to 40%. The improved ISC yield is rationalized by the presence of a T₂ state, localized on the anthryl unit, with energy close to that of the S₁ state. The electron spin polarization phase pattern of the triplet state is (e, e, e, a, a, a), with the T_z sublevel of the T₁ state overpopulated. The small zero-field splitting D parameter (-1470 MHz) indicates that the electron spin density is delocalized over the twisted framework. It is concluded that twisting of π-conjugation framework does not necessarily induce ISC, but S₁/T_n energy matching may be a generic feature for increasing ISC for a new-generation of heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers.

Jet-Cooled Phosphorescence Excitation Spectrum of the T1(n,π*) ← S0 Transition of 4H-Pyran-4-one

The 4H-pyran-4-one (4PN) molecule is a cyclic conjugated enone with spectroscopically accessible singlet and triplet (n,π*)excited states. Vibronic spectra of 4PN provide a stringent test of electronic-structure calculations, through comparison of predicted vs measured vibrational frequencies in the excited state. We report here the T1(n,π*) ← S0 phosphorescence excitation spectrum of 4PN, recorded under the cooling conditions of a supersonic free-jet expansion. The jet cooling has eliminated congestion appearing in previous room-temperature measurements of the T1 ← S0 band system and has enabled us to determine precise fundamental frequencies for seven vibrational modes of the molecule in its T1(n,π*) state. We have also analyzed the rotational contour of the 000 band, obtaining experimental values for spin-spin and spin-rotation constants of the T1(n,π*) state. We used the experimental results to test predictions from two commonly used computational methods, equation-of-motion excitation energies with dynamical correlation incorporated at the level of coupled cluster singles doubles (EOM-EE-CCSD) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). We find that each method predicts harmonic frequencies within a few percent of observed fundamentals, for in-plane vibrational modes. However, for out-of-plane modes, each method has specific liabilities that result in frequency errors on the order of 20-30%. The calculations have helped to identify a perturbation from the T2(π,π*) state that leads to unexpected features observed in the T1(n,π*) ← S0 origin band rotational contour.

Computational tools for the simulation and analysis of spin-polarized EPR spectra

The EPR spectra of paramagnetic species induced by photoexcitation typically exhibit enhanced absorptive and emissive features resulting from sublevel populations that differ from thermal equilibrium. The populations and the resulting spin polarization of the spectra are dictated by the selectivity of the photophysical process generating the observed state. Simulation of the spin-polarized EPR spectra is crucial in the characterization of both the dynamics of formation of the photoexcited state as well as its electronic and structural properties. EasySpin, the simulation toolbox for EPR spectroscopy, now includes extended support for the simulation of the EPR spectra of spin-polarized states of arbitrary spin multiplicity and formed by a variety of different mechanisms, including photoexcited triplet states populated by intersystem crossing, charge recombination or spin polarization transfer, spin-correlated radical pairs created by photoinduced electron transfer, triplet pairs formed by singlet fission and multiplet states arising from photoexcitation in systems containing chromophores and stable radicals. In this paper, we highlight EasySpin's capabilities for the simulation of spin-polarized EPR spectra on the basis of illustrative examples from the literature in a variety of fields ranging across chemistry, biology, material science and quantum information science.

Heavy Atom-Free Triplet Photosensitizers: Molecular Structure Design, Photophysical Properties and Application in Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising method for the treatment of cancer, because of its advantages including a low toxicity, non-drug-resistant character, and targeting capability. From a photochemical aspect, a critical property of triplet photosensitizers (PSs) used for PDT reagents is the intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency. Conventional PDT reagents are limited to porphyrin compounds. However, these compounds are difficult to prepare, purify, and derivatize. Thus, new molecular structure paradigms are desired to develop novel, efficient, and versatile PDT reagents, especially those contain no heavy atoms, such as Pt or I, etc. Unfortunately, the ISC ability of heavy atom-free organic compounds is usually elusive, and it is difficult to predict the ISC capability of these compounds and design novel heavy atom-free PDT reagents. Herein, from a photophysical perspective, we summarize the recent developments of heavy atom-free triplet PSs, including methods based on radical-enhanced ISC (REISC, facilitated by electron spin-spin interaction), twisted π-conjugation system-induced ISC, the use of fullerene C₆₀ as an electron spin converter in antenna-C₆₀ dyads, energetically matched S₁/T_n states-enhanced ISC, etc. The application of these compounds in PDT is also briefly introduced. Most of the presented examples are the works of our research group.

Properties and applications of photoexcited chromophore–radical systems

Photoexcited organic chromophore-radical systems hold great promise for a range of technological applications in molecular spintronics, including quantum information technology and artificial photosynthesis. However, further development of such systems will depend on the ability to control the magnetic properties of these materials, which requires a profound understanding of the underlying excited-state dynamics. In this Review, we discuss photogenerated triplet-doublet systems and their potential to be used for applications in molecular spintronics. We outline the theoretical description of the spin system in the different coupling regimes and the invoked excited-state mechanisms governing the generation and transfer of spin polarization. The main characterization techniques used to evaluate the optical and magnetic properties of chromophore-radical systems are discussed. We conclude by giving an overview of previously investigated covalently linked triplet-radical systems, and highlight the need for further systematic investigations to improve our understanding of the magnetic interactions in such systems.

Confinement of the Triplet States in π‐Conjugated BODIPY Dimers Linked with Ethynylene or Butadiynylene Bridges: A Different View on the Effect of Symmetry

Understanding the impact of the excited state wavefunction confinement is crucial for the engineering of the photophysical properties and applications of organic chromophores. In the present contribution, the localization of the triplet state wavefunctions of some symmetric ethyne/butadiyne bridged BODIPY dimers and asymmetric BODIPY derivatives presenting extended π-conjugation frameworks is studied with time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory computations. Based on the Zero Field Splitting D parameters, we conclude that the triplet state wavefunctions are highly localized on one BODIPY unit in the symmetric dimers, which is consistent with the ab initio modelling that finds delocalized triplet state destabilized by 12-14 kcal mol^-1 as compared to its localized counterpart. The result provides a new insight into the study of triplet excited state confinement and the design of molecular wires or photosensitizers for photovoltaics and photocatalysis.

Rational design of photosynthetic reaction center protein maquettes

New technologies for efficient solar-to-fuel energy conversion will help facilitate a global shift from dependence on fossil fuels to renewable energy. Nature uses photosynthetic reaction centers to convert photon energy into a cascade of electron-transfer reactions that eventually produce chemical fuel. The design of new reaction centers de novo deepens our understanding of photosynthetic charge separation and may one day allow production of biofuels with higher thermodynamic efficiency than natural photosystems. Recently, we described the multi-step electron-transfer activity of a designed reaction center maquette protein (the RC maquette), which can assemble metal ions, tyrosine, a Zn tetrapyrrole, and heme into an electron-transport chain. Here, we detail our modular strategy for rational protein design and show that the intended RC maquette design agrees with crystal structures in various states of assembly. A flexible, dynamic apo-state collapses by design into a more ordered holo-state upon cofactor binding. Crystal structures illustrate the structural transitions upon binding of different cofactors. Spectroscopic assays demonstrate that the RC maquette binds various electron donors, pigments, and electron acceptors with high affinity. We close with a critique of the present RC maquette design and use electron-tunneling theory to envision a path toward a designed RC with a substantially higher thermodynamic efficiency than natural photosystems.

OOP-ESEEM Spectroscopy: Accuracies of Distances of Spin-Correlated Radical Pairs in Biomolecules

In addition to the commonly used electron-electron double resonance (ELDOR) technique, there are several other electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods by which structure information can be obtained by exploiting the dipolar coupling between two radicals based on its characteristic r -3 dependence. In this contribution, we explore the potential of out-of-phase-electron-spin echo envelope modulation (OOP-ESEEM) spectroscopy to collect accurate distance information in photo-sensitive (bio) molecules. Although the method has already been applied to spin-correlated radical pairs in several classes of light-active proteins, the accuracy of the information obtained has not yet been extensively evaluated. To do this in a system-independent fashion, OOP-ESEEM time traces simulated with different values of the dipolar and exchange couplings were generated and analyzed in a best-possible way. Excellent agreement between calculated and numerically fitted values over a wide range of distances (between 15 and 45 Å) was obtained. Furthermore, the limitations of the method and the dependence on various experimental parameters could be evaluated.

Magnetophotoselection in the Investigation of Excitonically Coupled Chromophores: The Case of the Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Protein

A magnetophotoselection (MPS) investigation of the photoexcited triplet state of chlorophyll a both in a frozen organic solvent and in a protein environment, provided by the water-soluble chlorophyll protein (WSCP) of Lepidium virginicum, is reported. The MPS experiment combines the photoselection achieved by exciting with linearly polarized light with the magnetic selection of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, allowing the determination of the relative orientation of the optical transition dipole moment and the zero-field splitting tensor axes in both environments. We demonstrate the robustness of the proposed methodology for a quantitative description of the excitonic interactions among pigments. The orientation of the optical transition dipole moments determined by the EPR analysis in WSCP, identified as an appropriate model system, are in excellent agreement with those calculated in the point-dipole approximation. In addition, MPS provides information on the electronic properties of the triplet state, localized on a single chlorophyll a pigment of the protein cluster, in terms of orientation of the zero-field splitting tensor axes in the molecular frame.

Accessing the triplet state of perylenediimide by radical-enhanced intersystem crossing

Owing to their exceptional photophysical properties and high photostability, perylene diimide (PDI) chromophores have found various applications as building blocks of materials for organic electronics. In many light-induced processes in PDI derivatives, chromophore excited states with high spin multiplicities, such as triplet or quintet states, have been revealed as key intermediates. The exploration of their properties and formation conditions is thus expected to provide invaluable insight into their underlying photophysics and promises to reveal strategies for increasing the performance of optoelectronic devices. However, accessing these high-multiplicity excited states of PDI to increase our mechanistic understanding remains a difficult task, due to the fact that the lowest excited singlet state of PDI decays with near-unity quantum yield to its ground state. Here we make use of radical-enhanced intersystem crossing (EISC) to generate the PDI triplet state in high yield. One or two 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) stable radicals were covalently attached to the imide position of PDI chromophores with and without p-tert-butylphenoxy core substituents. By combining femtosecond UV-vis transient absorption and transient electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, we demonstrate strong magnetic exchange coupling between the PDI triplet state and TEMPO, resulting in the formation of excited quartet or quintet states. Important differences in the S₁ state deactivation rate constants and triplet yields are observed for compounds bearing PDI moieties with different core substitution patterns. We show that these differences can be rationalized by considering the varying importance of competitive excited state decay processes, such as electron and excitation energy transfer. The comparison of the results obtained for different PDI–TEMPO derivatives leads us to propose design guidelines for optimizing the efficiency of triplet sensitization in molecular assemblies by EISC.

The triplet state of PDI can be sensitized efficiently by radical-enhanced intersystem crossing. A detailed study of several related structures allows us to propose new strategies to optimize triplet formation in materials for optoelectronic devices.

Charge Separation and Intersystem Crossing in Homo- and Hetero-Compact Naphthalimide Dimers

Naphthalimide (NI) homo- and hetero-dimers adopting orthogonal geometry were prepared to study photo-induced symmetry-breaking charge transfer (SBCT) and charge recombination (CR)-induced intersystem crossing (ISC). The two moieties in the dimer are connected either at the 3-C or 4-C position of the NI unit. The photophysical properties of the dimers were studied with steady-state and transient absorption spectroscopic methods. Significant CT only occurs for the hetero-dimer, in which one NI unit has a 4-amino substituent and the other NI unit is without it. The CR-induced ISC is most efficient for this dimer (singlet oxygen quantum yield ΦΔ = 50.3%). For the homo-dimer, in which both NI units did not present amino substitution, SBCT was not observed. Based on the electrochemical studies, we propose that the absence of SBCT for the homo-dimer is attributed to its high oxidation potential and low reduction potential. Femtosecond transient absorption (fs TA) spectra show that there is no charge separation (CS) for the homo-dimer. Nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy indicate the formation of a triplet state with electron delocalization for the homo dimer, with a lifetime of 72.0 μs, while for the hetero dimer a triplet state with an intrinsic lifetime of 206.4 μs is observed. CS (11.6 ps) and slow CR-induced ISC (>1.5 ns) were observed for the hetero-dimer. Time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectra give the zero-field splitting parameters (|D| = 1894 MHz and |E| = 111 MHz) and electron spin polarization patterns (e, e, e, a, a, a) for the triplet state of the hetero-dimer, inferring that the triplet state of the hetero-dimer is confined on the amino-substituted NI moiety.

Primary donor triplet states of Photosystem I and II studied by Q-band pulse ENDOR spectroscopy

The photoexcited triplet state of the "primary donors" in the two photosystems of oxygenic photosynthesis has been investigated by means of electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) at Q-band (34 GHz). The data obtained represent the first set of ¹H hyperfine coupling tensors of the ³P700 triplet state in PSI and expand the existing data set for ³P680. We achieved an extensive assignment of the observed electron-nuclear hyperfine coupling constants (hfcs) corresponding to the methine α-protons and the methyl group β-protons of the chlorophyll (Chl) macrocycle. The data clearly confirm that in both photosystems the primary donor triplet is located on one specific monomeric Chl at cryogenic temperature. In comparison to previous transient ENDOR and pulse ENDOR experiments at standard X-band (9-10 GHz), the pulse Q-band ENDOR spectra demonstrate both improved signal-to-noise ratio and increased resolution. The observed ENDOR spectra for ³P700 and ³P680 differ in terms of the intensity loss of lines from specific methyl group protons, which is explained by hindered methyl group rotation produced by binding site effects. Contact analysis of the methyl groups in the PSI crystal structure in combination with the ENDOR analysis of ³P700 suggests that the triplet is located on the Chl a' (P_A) in PSI. The results also provide additional evidence for the localization of ³P680 on the accessory Chl_D1 in PSII.

Light-induced pulsed dipolar EPR spectroscopy for distance and orientation analysis

Measuring distances in biology at the molecular level is of great importance for understanding the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids and other biological molecules and their complexes. Pulsed Dipolar Spectroscopy (PDS) offers advantages with respect to other methods as it is uniquely sensitive and specific to electronic spin centers and allows measurements in near-native conditions, comprising the in-cell environment. PDS methods measure the electron spin-spin dipolar interaction, therefore they require the presence of at least two paramagnetic centers, which are often stable radicals. Recent developments have introduced transient triplet states, photo-activated by a laser pulse, as spin labels and probes, thereby establishing a new family of techniques-Light-induced PDS (LiPDS). In this chapter, an overview of these methods is provided, looking at the chromophores that can be used for LiPDS and some of the technical aspects of the experiments. A guide to the choice of technique that can yield the best results, depending on the type of system studied and the information required, is provided. Examples of previous LiPDS studies of model systems and proteins are given. Characterization data for the chromophores used in these studies is tabulated to help selection of appropriate triplet state probes in future studies.

Characterization of a Triplet Vinylidene

Singlet vinylidenes (R₂C=C:) are proposed as intermediates in a series of organic reactions, and very few have been studied by matrix isolation or gas-phase spectroscopy. Triplet vinylidenes, however, featuring two unpaired electrons at a monosubstituted carbon atom are thus far only predicted as electronically excited-state species and represent an unexplored class of carbon-centered diradicals. We report the photochemical generation and low-temperature EPR/ENDOR characterization of the first ground-state high-spin (triplet) vinylidene. The zero-field splitting parameters (D = 0.377 cm^–1 and |E|/D = 0.028) were determined, and the ¹³C hyperfine coupling tensor was obtained by ¹³C-ENDOR measurements. Most strikingly, the isotropic ¹³C hyperfine coupling constant (50 MHz) is far smaller than the characteristic values of triplet carbenes, demonstrating a unique electronic structure which is supported by quantum chemical calculations.

Charge Transfer, Intersystem Crossing, and Electron Spin Dynamics in a Compact Perylenemonoimide-Phenoxazine Electron Donor-Acceptor Dyad

With phenoxazine (PXZ) as the electron donor and perylene-3,4-dicarboximide (PMI) as the electron acceptor, we prepared a compact, orthogonal electron donor-acceptor dyad (PMI-PXZ) to study the spin-orbit charge transfer-induced intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC). A weak charge transfer (CT) absorption band, due to S₀ → ¹CT transition, was observed (ε = 2840 M^-1 cm^-1 at 554 nm, FWHM: 2850 cm^-1), which is different from that of the previously reported analogue dyad with phenothiazine as the electron donor (PMI-PTZ), for which no CT absorption band was observed. A long-lived triplet state was observed (lifetime τ_T = 182 μs) with nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, and the singlet oxygen quantum yield (Φ_Δ = 76%) is higher than that of the previously reported analogue dyad PMI-PTZ (Φ_Δ = 57%). Ultrafast charge separation (ca. 0.14 ps) and slow charge recombination (1.4 ns) were observed with femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. With time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (TREPR), we confirmed the SOCT-ISC mechanism, and the electron spin polarization phase pattern of the triplet-state TREPR spectrum is (e, e, a, e, a, a), which is dramatically different from that of PMI-PTZ (a, e, a, e, a, e), indicating that the triplet-state TREPR spectrum of a specific chromophore in the electron donor-acceptor dyads is not only dependent on the geometry of the dyads but also dependent on the structure of the electron donor (or acceptor). Even one-atom variation in the donor structure may cause significant influence on the electron spin selectivity of the ISC of the electron donor-acceptor dyads.