Femtosecond Dynamics of IVR and Reactivity in Complex Systems

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

Ahmed H. Zewail of the California Institute of Technology is supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program to continue his studies on femtosecond dynamics of intramolecular vibrational relaxation (IVR) and reactivity in complex systems. During this period he will focus on the following areas: a) experimental and theoretical studies of complex systems; b) studies under complex solvation: gas vs. liquid; and c) transition states and IVR: control of reactivity. Techniques to be used include picosecond and femtosecond lasers in conjunction with molecular beam machines equipped with time-of-flight mass spectrometry; photoelectron and laser-induced fluorescence chambers. In addition, the condensed phase studies will exploit transient absorption and fluorescence up-conversion techniques. In addition to the education of graduate students and post-doctoral coworkers, this work has fundamental significance that is likely to translate into applications. Understanding the chemistry of complex systems lays the ground-work for attempts to make better materials and alter complex biological chemistry.