Inside a Focused Laser Beam: Molecular Dynamics with Intense Femtosecond Radiation Pulses

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE

Investigators

Abstract

This research focuses on enhancing the understanding of molecular intense-field photodynamics by carrying out photoionization experiments using an ion mass spectrometer that clips out a tiny, micron-sized, three-dimensional volume from a laser focus and enables detection of ions created only inside this volume. Because the number of molecules in this confined volume is fixed, and the intensity inside it constant, the measured ion signal is a true measure of the photoionization probability for one single intensity. The broader impact involves education of students and outreach to the community via a monthly science column with student progress on projects.