For decades, Melvin Robin’s three-volume series, “Higher Excited States of Polyatomic Molecules,” has provided an indispensable reference for understanding the electronic states of molecular systems. However, while these volumes guided generations, recent technological advances and emerging application areas—from laser techniques to spectroscopy in the solid (ice) phase, and the rapid progress in theoretical calculations – demand an updated, comprehensive review.
The MOLESs project is an international initiative born from the need to modernize and expand this classic series. The project will assemble authoritative and complete data on the excited states of molecules (valence and Rydberg). We will present their experimental absorption spectra (VUV, EUV and PES) and compare experiment with theoretical derivations of excitation energies and spectra (e.g., using DFT & TDTFT). Data will be published in both e-book format and on-line with recommended data sets. Teams will work together on literature reviews, data compilation, and identifying future research needs. The project aims not only to preserve historical data but also standardize future contributions using FAIR procedures.
We welcome collaborators who have experimental and/or computational data sets and who wish to join us in the project. The MOLESs consortium will meet annually in Belgrade. If you wish to participate, please contact us at: contact@moless-spectroscopy.org.