In this project supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Dr. Kit Bowen of Johns Hopkins University will use negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy to study four categories of gas-phase cluster anions and related species. The projects include an investigation of the stabilization of unstable anions or of excess electrons by solvation, exploration of double Rydberg anions (closed-shell cations with two Rydberg-like electrons), and an examination of orbital angular momentum designations for alkali metal cluster anions.
Negative ions and excess electron states play important roles in chemistry and related fields. Solvated anions are fundamental species in radiation chemistry and govern a host of phenomena in solution. This work will help provide a link between the world of temporary ions and that of "wet" chemistry. Broader impacts are possible in the areas of biological genetic damage research, physics, and materials science.
