Spectroscopy of Leaf Molecules

This chapter provides the basis for the absorption and internal scattering properties of leaves derived from theoretical spectroscopy of various chemical components. The absorption of electromagnetic radiation by leaf constituents occurs in different regions of the spectrum. Molecular electronic transitions take place in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectrum. This occurs when electrons in a molecule are excited from one energy level to a higher energy level. Transitions between two levels can occur upon the absorption of a photon.