Several key processes are fundamental to photophysics:
1. Absorption: When a molecule absorbs a photon, it transitions from a lower energy state to a higher energy state. 2. Fluorescence: The molecule returns to a lower energy state by emitting a photon. 3. Phosphorescence: Similar to fluorescence, but involves a change in the spin state of the molecule, resulting in a delayed emission of light. 4. Intersystem Crossing: A non-radiative process where the molecule transitions between states of different spin multiplicity. 5. Internal Conversion: A non-radiative process where the molecule transitions between states of the same spin multiplicity.
