Toward accurate predictions of bond-selective fluorescence spectra

Vibrational-encoded fluorescence spectro-microscopies are emerging as powerful tools for studying molecular vibrations with the unparalleled sensitivity of fluorescence spectroscopy. We recently described one such technique, termed bond-selective fluorescence-detected infrared-excited (BonFIRE) spectro-microscopy. Currently, prospects of BonFIRE toward rational molecular design are limited, but they have the potential to be assisted by computational tools. In this perspective, we provide a brief overview of the theory of BonFIRE spectroscopy. We then describe a fully automated computational pipeline for calculating BonFIRE spectra, reproducing key features of experimental results. Finally, we highlight a few potential applications of computational methods for vibrational-encoded fluorescence spectro-microscopies and their broader implications for chemistry and biology.