MRI: Acquistion of a Tunable Solid-State Laser System for Applications in Atmospheric Chemistry, Aerosol Analysis, Process Monitoring and Reaction Dynamics

University Of Iowa, Iowa City IA

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa will acquire a tunable solid-state laser system for applications in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol analysis, process monitoring and reaction dynamics. This equipment will be utilized in the following applications: a) laser-based probes of heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry; b) single particle mass spectrometry in real-time; c) real-time analysis of CO in fuel cell engines; d) reaction dynamics and spectroscopy of metal ion-molecule clusters; and e) photochemistry and spectroscopy of charge/proton-transfer complexes. A laser provides a directed beam of coherent monochromatic visible or infrared light, which enables researchers to obtain with unprecedented detail, important information about fast chemical reactions and/or the structure of molecules. Its use may enable breakthroughs in our understanding of the properties of reactive and nonreactive molecules. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas such as atmospheric chemistry and combustion chemistry.