Nonadiabatic Dynamics of Cis-Trans Photoisomerization --- a First Principles Study
Levine, Benjamin G.
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/84273
Description
Title
Nonadiabatic Dynamics of Cis-Trans Photoisomerization --- a First Principles Study
Author(s)
Levine, Benjamin G.
Issue Date
2007
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Martinez, Todd J.
Department of Study
Chemistry
Discipline
Chemistry
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Chemistry, Physical
Language
eng
Abstract
Cis-trans photoisomerization is a chemical reaction which converts light to mechanical energy on a molecular scale. Unique methods which provide an accurate theoretical description of these reactions are presented here. An implementation of the ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) dynamics algorithm has been developed to simulate photodynamics. This method can simulate the full time-dependent wavefunction of molecules with tens of atoms. AIMS data can be directly compared to the results of ultrafast time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy data. This allows both the reinterpretation of the experiment and the validation of the simulations. The applicability of time dependent density function theory (TDDFT) to the study of photochemistry is analyzed. TDDFT is found to behave pathologically and alternative approaches are considered. A method to optimize conical intersection points with the accurate multi-state complete active space self consistent field method is also presented. Finally, the possibility of using video game consoles as low cost, high performance tools for the study of photochemistry and scientific computing in general. These various methods are applied to study the photochemistry of two isomerizable molecules: 1,3-butadiene and stilbene.
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