RESONANCE LIGHT-SCATTERING - A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR STUDYING CHROMOPHOREAGGREGATION

Light scattering experiments are usually performed at wavelengths away from absorption bands, but for species that aggregate,enhancements in light scattering of several orders of magnitude can be observed at wa velengths characteristic of these species. Resonance light scattering is shown to be a sensitive and selective method for studying electroni cally coupled chromophore arrays. The approach is illustrated with sev eral examples drawn from porphyrin and chlorin chemistry. The physical principles underlying resonance light scattering are discussed, and t he advantages and limitations of the technique are reviewed.