Coherent Nuclear Wave Packets in Q States by Ultrafast Internal Conversions in Free Base Tetraphenylporphyrin

Abstract

Persistence of vibrational coherence in electronic transition has been noted especially in biochemical systems. Here, we report the dynamics between electronic excited states in free base tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) by time-resolved fluorescence with high time resolution. Following the photoexcitation of the B state, ultrafast internal conversion occurs to the Q(x) state directly as well as via the Q(y) state. Unique and distinct coherent nuclear wave packet motions in the Q(x) and Q(y) states are observed through the modulation of the fluorescence intensity in time. The instant, serial internal conversions from the B to the Q(y) and Q(x) states generate the coherent wave packets. Theory and experiment show that the observed vibrational modes involve the out-of-plane vibrations of the porphyrin ring that are strongly coupled to the internal conversion of H2TPP.