Purchase of Instrumentation for Ultrafast UV/Vis and Infrared Transient Absorption Measurements

Ohio State University Research Foundation -Do Not Use, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Ohio State University will acquire instrumentation for ultrafast ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) and infrared transient absorption measurements. The system is based on a femtosecond, regeneratively amplified Ti:Sapphire laser system, in conjunction with UV/Vis and infrared detection systems. The instrumentation will be used to study a variety of chemical systems, including a) important intermediates in the photophysics and photochemistry of organometallic compounds, nitrenes, carbenes and flavins; b) charge carrier relaxation in electroluminescent conducting polymers; c) the role of hydrogen bonding in the vibrational cooling of nucleic acids; and d) the photocleavage of DNA by charge transfer states. A femtosecond 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. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas including polymer chemistry and biochemistry.