White-light continuum probed femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopic measurement of β-carotene under high pressure

► We established the white-light probed high-pressure transient absorption technique. ► The lifetime of S1 state in β-carotene becomes longer with the rising pressure. ► The energy level of S1 state in β-carotene descends with the rising pressure. ► Solvent viscosity damps the CC stretching vibrations in the S1-to-S0 IC process. ► Microcosmic environment affects the excited state dynamics in carotenoids.