In this project supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Dr. Kenneth Janda of the University of California, Irvine will study the spectroscopy and dynamics of molecules in ultra low temperature liquid helium droplets. Infrared laser spectroscopy and infrared-optical double resonance will be used to study the formation of binary species in order to investigate how such sub-clusters form and how quickly they can dissipate energy. Spectra will be sought for molecules that are encapsulated in or on the surface of a cluster containing argon atoms.
The long-term goal of this project is to use helium clusters to make new species by low temperature photochemistry. This project will provide important information on how the superfluid environment of liquid helium cools the vibrational motions of a molecule and will help further the goal of synthesis in ultra-cold clusters. This information ultimately will have an impact on the nature of bonding and chemical structures at ultra low temperatures and the factors limiting chemical reactions at temperatures near absolute zero.
