Surface crossing

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011635",
  "term": "Surface crossing",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A transition between two electronic potential energy surfaces of a molecule, occurring when the molecule's geometry allows these surfaces to intersect or approach each other closely. This process facilitates non-radiative decay of excited electronic states, converting electronic energy into vibrational energy. It is a mechanism for internal conversion or intersystem crossing.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "avoided crossing"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2279 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/surface-crossing/"
}