Abstract
Once the correct electronic wave functions for a molecule have been obtained, it is obvious that any optical property can be calculated. However, if the wave functions are approximate, one finds that they cannot be used indiscriminately. For example, Moffitt (1) found that polymer wave functions which were adequate for treating absorption of light were incorrect for the rotation of polarized light. We shall illustrate the problems that arise by discussing the zero-order exciton model as applied to the optical rotation of polymers. Measurement of optical rotation can provide further experimental tests of the exciton method, tests which may be more stringent than absorption measurements. For example, the absorption intensity of a dimer is equal to twice the monomer absorption plus a small correction caused by the interaction of the monomers. However, the rotation of a dimer is all due to the monomer interaction, if the monomers are chosen to have no optical rotation. The dimer will also have new energy levels which will affect both the absorption and the rotation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
