Abstract
The dynamics of solvation of newly created dipoles is discussed. Developments of standard continuum models to include non-Debye dielectric response and saturation effects are described. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics simulations of ST2 model water are described. The simulations predict non-exponential solvation dynamics as a result of the radial dependence of the solvent response. Experimental data on time-resolved fluorescence Stokes shifts for a number of probe molecules in a variety of polar solvents are discussed in the context of the theoretical results.