Laser Spectroscopy

Molecular spectroscopy is central to understanding the photophysical and photochemical properties of the molecular and supramolecular systems developed in the Larsen Lab. Laser spectroscopies allow us to probe excited state population dynamics that provide critical photophysical and photochemical understanding that then informs molecular design principles for next generation photoactive compounds with targeted properties.

In these projects, students utilise the University of Auckland’s dedicated ultrafast laser facility to carry out time-resolved optical spectroscopies and study the excited state population dynamics of photoactive materials, and develop fundamental understanding of photochemical processes.

We also use an optical cryostat to perform both steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies to study excited state deactivation and photorelease mechanisms in materials we develop in other projects.

Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Spectroscopies

X-ray spectroscopies provide an element-specific probe of electronic structure and the local coordination environment.

In these projects, we utilise international synchrotron user facilities to study photoactive systems using X-ray absorption, emission and resonant scattering techniques. We are particularly interested in the use of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) to probe valence excited states that are difficult/impossible to study using optical spectroscopies. This enables us to build a more complete picture of the electronic structure and excited state landscape of novel photosensitisers, from which we can develop improved molecular design principles for next generation photosensitisers.