dr. D. Roca-Sanjuán - Photochemistry and Chemiluminescence of Biological Systems: a theoretical approach

Abstract

The photochemical and chemiluminescent phenomena can be considered as exchanges between two forms of energy, chemistry and light. Such processes are closely linked in nature, in which case the terms photobiology and bioluminescence are used, respectively. Understanding their intrinsic properties can help to mimic the complex mechanisms present in living beings. Modern Theoretical Photochemistry offers sophisticated tools based on the Conical Intersection concept and the computation of Minimum Energy Paths which allow an accurate description of photo-induced and chemically activated processes. Three illustrative examples of this modeling in biological systems will be described here.