Principles and Applications of Photochemistry

This interdisciplinary book describes the fundamental chemistry involved in photochemical processes, and explains the critical ways in which photochemical changes affect life on Earth. The central chapters describe the ways in which a light-excited entity may react or undergo radiative or radiationless decay. The important experimental techniques in the field are explained and a brief introduction is provided to the detailed dynamics of photochemical processes. Combining theory and practical applications, the book surveys natural photochemical processes and their applications, including the synthesis of new and complex organic species, different kinds of imaging and photographic techniques, and solar energy.