Elucidating complex triplet-state dynamics in the model system isopropylthioxanthone

We introduce techniques for probing the dynamics of triplet states. We employ these tools, along with conventional techniques, to develop a detailed understanding of a complex chemical system: a negative-tone, radical photoresist for multiphoton absorption polymerization in which isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) is the photoinitiator. This work reveals that the same color of light used for the 2-photon excitation of ITX, leading to population of the triplet manifold through intersystem crossing, also depletes this triplet population via linear absorption followed by reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). Using spectroscopic tools and kinetic modeling, we identify the reactive triplet state and a non-reactive reservoir triplet state. We present compelling evidence that the deactivation channel involves RISC from an excited triplet state to a highly vibrationally excited level of the electronic ground state. The work described here offers the enticing possibility of understanding, and ultimately controlling, the photochemistry and photophysics of a broad range of triplet processes.