Acquisition of a Femtosecond/Picosecond Laser for Ultrafast Spectroscopic Probes of the Structure and Excited State Dynamics of Molecular Systems

University Of Akron, Akron OH

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Center for Laser and Optical Spectroscopy at the University of Akron will acquire a femtosecond/picosecond laser for ultrafast spectroscopic probes of the structure and excited state dynamics of molecular systems. This equipment will enhance research in the following areas: 1) time-resolved optical spectroscopy of novel nanoscale, porphyrin-containing, dendritic photosynthetic mimics; 2) equilibrium geometries and excited-state dynamics of aromatic clusters; 3) real-time measurements of intramolecular vibration-energy redistribution (IVR) in OH-containing molecules; and 4) time-resolved optical spectroscopy of unusual porphyrins. A femtosecond/picosecond laser provides ultrafast pulses of coherent visible or infrared light, which enables researchers to obtain important information about fast occurring chemical reactions. Its use may enable breakthroughs in our understanding of the properties of reactive and nonreactive molecules. This laser system will be available to researchers from a number of neighboring universities and colleges in Ohio.