Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Quantum Clusters

University Of California-Irvine, Irvine CA

Investigators

Abstract

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Janda will study IVR processes in molecules and clusters embedded in liquid helium droplets at a temperature of 0.4 K. Appropriate pico-second pump-probe techniques and pulsed valve technology will be developed for both reactant preparation and monitoring the chemical dynamics inside the clusters. When gases are cooled to very low temperatures they usually condense into a liquid or solid form. When trapped into ultra-cold droplets of liquid helium, molecules and clusters largely retain their rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom. Their properties apparent at ordinary temperatures are only slightly modified owing to the weak interaction that couples them to the surrounding bath of liquid helium. The studies of these modifications are of intrinsic interest as they provide fundamental data about the properties of liquid helium and may be relevant to eventual chemical reactions that take place in the ultra-cold environment of the droplets. This research will be conducted with graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral research associates. They will acquire knowledge and training in one of the forefront areas of physical chemistry in preparation for entry into the scientific/technical workforce.