Photochemistry with Quantum Optics from a Non-Adiabatic Quantum Trajectory Perspective

Strong light-matter interaction with confined electromagnetic fields has emerged as a potential route to manipulate chemical reactivity and dynamics even in the absence of laser driving. In this issue of Chem, Fregoni et al. predict that the isomerization quantum yields of azobenzene can be enhanced inside a plasmonic nanocavity in comparison with free space, by performing a realistic non-adiabatic quantum trajectory study that does not neglect photonic dissipation. This prediction contradicts previous model calculations and thus may stimulate further experimental work. © 2019; Strong light-matter interaction with confined electromagnetic fields has emerged as a potential route to manipulate chemical reactivity and dynamics even in the absence of laser driving. In this issue of Chem, Fregoni et al. predict that the isomerization quantum yields of azobenzene can be enhanced inside a plasmonic nanocavity in comparison with free space, by performing a realistic non-adiabatic quantum trajectory study that does not neglect photonic dissipation. This prediction contradicts previous model calculations and thus may stimulate further experimental work. © 2019