| Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy are among the most widespread and powerful tools in the study of physical, chemical and biological systems. In this thesis, we discuss the use of these technologies to study range of important processes occurring on timescales from femtoseconds (10-15 s) to nanoseconds (10-9 s). In particular, we employ the techniques of time-correlated single photon counting and fluorescence upconversion, which are described in detail in subsequent chapter. The physical problems that we address with these technologies are: solvation dynamics in various systems, especially proteins; the use of ionic liquids for the hydrolysis of cellulose; and stereoselective photophysics in chiral ionic liquids. |
