Rotational Fine Structure in Dynamic Photophysical Processes

Experimental and theoretical results of the photophysics of single rovibronic states are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the dependence of the non-radiative rate constant on the excited rotational state. In contrast to previous pessimism it is shown that the experimentally determined range in single rovibronic level lifetimes can be theoretically rationalized. Quantum beats in the fluorescence decay of single rotational states are also included. Important information about dephasing, build-up and decay of initially excited quantum states and their coupling with the other excited electronic state can thus be obtained.