The Experimental Physical Chemistry Program has awarded a grant to Professor Herbert Strauss of the University of California at Berkeley to continue his studies probing complex, disordered systems using infrared (IR) hole-burning techniques. Using an IR laser, Strauss will irradiate a probe molecule (ammonium ion, in this case), which makes up part of the complex system, forcing it to rotate into a new position, and thereby creating a dip in the IR absorption. These holes are refilled by tunneling of the probe molecule at low temperature, and the relaxation dynamics is monitored by IR absorption. In related experiment, Raman and neutron spectra of hydrogen (probe molecules) in water, ice and zeolites will be undertaken to yield comparable information. Hydrogen embedded in ice or zeolite is of importance in many fields of science and technology such as astronomy, energy storage, and catalysis. Hydrogen is of special importance because its properties are amenable to calculation. Consequently, calculations of the hydrogen time-dependent properties, which lead to the spectra, are likely to be incisive.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Application #
9526754
Program Officer
Janice M. Hicks
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1996-03-01
Budget End
1999-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
$486,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704