Electron localisation: evolution of optical spectra

Abstract

Attention is directed to experiments from several groups which bear on the origin of the electron's absorption band, particularly with regard to the spontaneous progression from metastable to equilibrated states and photoinduced spectral shifts. The absorption band is discussed as being heterogeneously broadened in both solid and liquid phases, the former being space-averaged and the latter time-averaged. This means that the proper extinction coefficients are higher than those currently in use which were evaluated on the presumption that the band was homogeneous. Eλmax is seen as a generally useful measure of the solvating power of solvents.