Fe(II) complexes display transitions between spin states that can be triggered externally. Now the light-induced ΔS = 2 transition upon excitation of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states of Fe(II)-polypyridine complexes has been investigated at high time-resolution in the visible and the ultraviolet range. It has been shown to occur in less than 50 fs — that is, on a sub-vibrational timescale.
- Gerald Auböck
- Majed Chergui
