Band shape analysis of electronic spectra of polar dye solutions

A semiclassical theory of electronic spectra of polar dye solutions is presented and analytical expressions of the spectra are given. A quasi-molecular approach is applied and the quasi-molecule model of the spectra previously published is reanalyzed. It is assumed that a large-amplitude motion plays a key role in the broadening of the spectra of polar dye solutions. An energy-level diagram of a quasi-molecule, considered as a dye molecule with its nearest neighborhood, is presented. In addition, the energy of reorientation in going from a Franck-Condon to an equilibrated state is determined. The orientation energy is equal to that part of the excitation energy given by the difference of the excited Franck-Condon state of a quasi-molecule from that of its equilibrated excited state. It is shown that after excitation, not only is excess vibrational, but also part of the electrostatic interaction energy is transferred to the surroundings. This energy may be obtained directly from absorption and fluorescence spectra of polar dye solutions. Experimental verification is performed on several coumarin solutions. The mean value for the reorientation energy in this case is found to be 645 cm-1.