We propose and evaluate an approach for simulating vibronic profiles in two
-photon absorption (TPA) of polyatomic molecules accounting for both Franck
-Condon and Herzberg-Teller couplings. A linear coupling scheme is implemen
ted in which the multi-dimensional vibronic coupling constants are obtained
from ground state frequencies and normal coordinates and excited state ene
rgy gradients evaluated at the ground state equilibrium geometry. Applicati
ons on charge-transfer monomer and dimer molecules based on trans-polyene i
ndicate the importance of vibrational TPA profiles in experimental predicti
ons and comparisons. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.