In this project supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Nesbitt will use IR laser absorption methods to study the spectroscopy and dynamics of transient species expanded in a supersonic slit nozzle. He proposes using a slit jet discharge to study highly reactive radical species using direct IR laser absorption. In addition, he will investigate large amplitude vibrational dynamics of highly fluxional jet-cooled molecular ions and neutral clusters, and proton transfer dynamics in ion clusters. To support the experimental studies, Nesbitt proposes to carry out quantum variational calculations to interpret the large amplitude dynamics and test ab initio potential energy surfaces for these species.
The determination of potential energy surfaces provides the information needed to understand and control the course of a chemical reaction. Professor Nesbitt's studies will provide quantum state and reactant approach geometry information for an important class of chemical reactions known as heavy-light-heavy reactions. The information obtained from this work will be an important step towards using lasers to control the outcome of chemical reactions. The information from this project is also important in understanding chemical combustion, atmospheric chemistry and plasma diagnostics.
