In this project in the Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Polik will study the chemical dynamics of highly excited molecules using molecular beam techniques and high-resolution dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy. Rovibrationally resolved dispersed fluorescence spectra of a series of aldehydes will be determined, and the implications for intramolecular energy flow will be analyzed. The pressure dependence of dispersed fluorescence spectra will be studied to show the role of dipolar interactions in intermolecular energy transfer. %%% Molecular-beam and high resolution dispersed fluorescence techniques will be used to prepare and observe excited states of molecules in order to understand the microscopic details of chemical reactivity. The results of these experiments will be used to test different models of reactive and non-reactive collision dynamics. Dr. Polik's studies are part of the Presidential Young Investigator Award (PYI) Program.
