Rare-gas matrices, their photochemistry and dynamics: Recent advances in selected areas

In this article we give a brief overview of the current understanding of the dynamics of matrix-isolated molecules, their photophysics and relaxation. Various types of non-radiative transitions, energy transfer and relaxation processes occurring in the matrix and their theoretical description and modelling will be discussed. The recent introduc-tion of picosecond and femtosecond techniques coupled with molecular dynamics simulations provides new insights into the details of guest-host interactions. In situ UV photolysis of matrix-isolated species has recently resulted in the characterization of an entire series of novel rare-gas compounds. We will also review studies of the mobility of guest species in rare-gas matrices with emphasis on the diffusion of hydrogen atoms and protons.