Summary of work while a Link Energy Fellow
Abstract
Electrons have an intrinsic property called spin, which is found in one of
two states, an “up” and a “down”. The spin state of an electron can be observed and
differentiated by applying an external magnetic field and inducing transitions with microwaves.
The bulk of my graduate work has focused on understanding, controlling, and transferring spin
information in molecular systems in the presence of light. If we can understand and transfer spin
information it could be used for quantum computing which could revolutionize computing and
information processing. This undertaking is difficult and at this point remains largely
unexplored in organic molecular systems, requiring fundamental understanding how spin
evolution occurs in molecular systems, how to impart information into these systems and direct
its movement. We have chosen to examine stable organic free radicals covalently attached to
chromophores, and donor-bridge-acceptor systems which undergo charge separation upon
photoexcitation. In addition to my main project I have also been involved in several other
projects: examining how bridge dynamics affects charge separation, recombination, and triplet-triplet
energy transfer in donor-bridge-acceptor systems, understanding how the redox state of a
molecule can induce motion along the backbone of a molecule. My research have or will result
in 4 first author, and 8 co-author papers during the duration that I was a Link fellow, which are
listed at the end of this summary. Several more first author and co-author publications should
result within the next year from projects begun while a Link fellow.