Although recent advances in ultrafast spectroscopic techniques and quantum simulation methods have allowed for an unprecedented degree of contact between theory and experiment, there still remains significant controversy over the nature of the interaction of liquid environments with simple solutes such as solvated electrons and solvated atoms.  In this talk, we review some of the controversy over the nature of solvated electrons and atoms in a variety of different solvents, and describe experiments and calculations that have the potential to resolve some of the controversies.  In particular, we discuss how the solvation of atoms occurs one solvent molecule at a time, with solvent molecules comprising part of the chemical identity of the relaxing species.  We also discuss the nature of solvated electrons in different solvents, and present evidence that suggests that solvated electrons occupy cavities in some solvents but not in others.

Understanding the excited-state relaxation of solvated electrons and solvated atoms using ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum simulation

244th National Meeting (2012)

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