In Situ Measurement of Exciton Dynamics During Thin-Film Formation Using Single-Shot Transient Absorption

Abstract

The exciton dynamics of pseudoisocyanine (PIC) is reported during the formation of a thin film dropcast from solution. Tilted pump pulses are used to spatially encode a pump-probe time delay, enabling the collection of a transient in a single shot. We demonstrate that a spatially encoded delay can be used to accurately measure exciton dynamics in thin-film samples, with a signal-to-noise ratio above 20 attained in 2 s. We report in situ linear absorption, fluorescence, and transient absorption measurements during the molecular aggregation of PIC. These measurements reveal a highly fluorescent intermediate stage during thin-film formation that we ascribe to J-aggregates, in contrast to the final, less fluorescent, dry thin film that exhibits photophysics indicative of disordered J-aggregates. The ability to measure exciton dynamics in situ during materials formation will provide a deeper understanding of how functional materials properties evolve, and will enable direct feedback for rational materials design.