Remarkable developments in the spectroscopy field regarding ultrashort pulse generation have led to the possibility of producing light pulses ranging from 50 to5 fs and frequency tunable from the near infrared to the ultraviolet range. Such pulses enable us to follow the coupling of vibrational motion to the electronic transitions in molecules and solids in real time. Detailing these advanced developments, as well as the fundamental methods and tools of vibrational spectroscopy, Coherent Vibrational Dynamics providesresearchers and students with a uniquely comprehensive resource. With the contributions of pioneering scientists, this seminal volume - * Outlines the principles and tools used on time-domain vibrational spectroscopy and provides a general introduction to the subject of coherent phonons * Describes the modern methods for tunable ultrashort pulse generation from infrared to visible-UV * Reviews coherent vibrational dynamics in small molecules in liquids (hydrogen bonds), and in carbon based conjugated materials (polyenes, carotenoids, and semiconducting polymers) * Explores phonon dynamics in semiconductors (bulk and heterostructures) and in quasi-one-dimensional systems Supplemented with a great number of references, and covering fundamental as well advanced topics, this text provides a valuable reference for both graduate students and senior researchers investigating materials in physics, chemistry, and biology. It is also an excellent starting point for those who want to pursue research in the field of ultrafast optics and spectroscopy.

Primary events in natural systems or devices occur on extremely short time scales, and yet determine in many cases the final performance or output. For this reason research in ultrafast science is of primary importance and impact in both fundamental research as well as its applications. This book reviews the advances in the field, addressing timely and open questions such as the role of quantum coherence in biology, the role of excess energy in electron injection at photovoltaic interfaces or the dynamics in quantum confined structures (e.g. multi carrier generation). The approach is that of a monograph, with a broad tutorial introduction and an overview of the recent results. This volume includes selected lectures presented at Symposium on Ultrafast Dynamics of the 7th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies.