Introduction to Electronic Properties and Dynamics of Organic Complexes as Self-Assembled Monolayers

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organic‐conjugated transition metal complexes on surfaces is a focus of both device engineering and basic science, since it is a key factor in nearly all important aspects of device performances, including operation voltages, degradation, and efficiency. The huge amount of literature results related to the first monolayer, and reorganization and self‐assembling processes are due to the general accepted result that structural and chemical properties of the first monolayer are the key parameters for controlled thin film growth. Optical and magneto‐electronic properties are intimately connected, and the accurate determination of electronic levels, excitation, and relaxation dynamics is mandatory for the optimization of electronic, photovoltaic, and opto‐electronic devices. Quite a number of electronic states is generated by the interaction of light with complex organic molecules. Time‐resolved spectroscopies are a new investigation tool that gives the possibility of correctly addressing their origin and life time. Examples of prototypical systems are presented and discussed. We review on complementary techniques, trying to single out how different approaches are fundamental to fully characterize these complex systems.