Issue |
EAS Publications Series
Volume 46, 2011
PAHs and the Universe: A Symposium to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the PAH Hypothesis
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Page(s) | 355 - 371 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eas/1146037 | |
Published online | 30 March 2011 |
C. Joblin and A.G.G.M. Tielens (eds)
EAS Publications Series, 46 (2011) 355-371
Electronic Spectroscopy of PAHs
1
Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay, Univ Paris
Sud, CNRS,
France
2
School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney,
NSW 2006,
Australia
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of molecules of broad interest that has long been explored by various spectroscopic techniques. The electronic spectroscopy of these species is of particular interest since it provides a framework for the understanding of the electronic structure of large polyatomic molecules. Such studies also allow the systematic investigation of electronic relaxation mechanisms in large molecules. In this review, we focus on the gas-phase experimental work on such systems and present the latest progress. We also underline the challenges that remain to be tackled. A focus on the understanding of the electronic relaxation pathways at work in gas-phase PAHs will also be presented, as well as their possible manifestation in space.
© EAS, EDP Sciences 2011