Doped rare gas solids as model systems for chromophore-matrix interactions

Molecular electronic states are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment. Therefore, by inserting probe molecules into a host material and monitoring the ensuing changes in the widths and spectral positions of the electronic absorption bands, interactions of probe and host molecules can be studied. A statistical mechanical model used to analyze these data can also be employed to extract from pressure-induced changes of the band shape information about the local environment of the probe molecule. Dye-doped solid rare gases are ideal model systems to test the basic assumptions of the statistical model, revealing its potential and limitations.