Strong-Field Imaging of Ultrafast Molecular Dynamics

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

The focus of this research project is to measure molecular geometries as well as ion-ion, ion-electron and electron-electron collective motion in three-atom systems. The measurements will provide insight into the partnership between electronic and atomic motion within the system and how energy is transferred from the laser field to the molecule. On the broader impact, the ability to control chemical reactions by breaking (or forming) specific bonds with a laser would have tremendous industrial benefits, ranging from chemical processing to enhancing deposition processes. On the educational side, a special effort will be made to involve investigators from underrepresented groups in this program, and a special recruiting effort will be undertaken.