Time resolved molecular electronic energy transfer into a silver surface

Abstract

Experimental techniques are described for preparation of three layer sandwich matrices on evaporated metal surfaces at 4 °K. These structures enable molecule–surface interactions to be studied as a function of distance to the surface. Classical electromagnetic energy transfer theory approximately agrees with experiment for the system pyrazine–silver at distances greater than about 125 Å. Below 125 Å, there is some evidence that either classical theory fails, or that surface structure causes slower energy transfer rates. Classical electromagnetic energy transfer theory is shown to imply qualitatively different analytical behavior at long distance (≳400 Å) than at short distances.