In this project in the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program, Michael Topp will use Rotational Coherence Spectroscopy, and other laser based techniques to probe the dynamical and spectroscopic properties of gas phase clusters containing 3-aminophthalimide and bianthryl. These systems are chosen because of the strong solvent dependence exhibited by the excited state lifetimes and fluorescence spectra of these species in the liquid phase. This research will determine the interactions responsible for changes in the charge distribution, including charge-transfer, induced by electronic excitation. Such information is essential to a complete understanding of the structures, properties, and interactions of molecules in condensed phases. Gas phase clusters provide an ideal environment to probe the details of molecular interactions between solute and solvent. Professor Topp's research will determine how solvent molecules affect the structure and properties of a solute molecule in these clusters. This research will enhance our understanding of the stabilities and reactivities of liquid phase species, and the forces responsible for these properties
