This Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) project will focus on computational studies in atomic and molecular physics and integro-differential equations. Studies will be in three subareas: Theoretical Investigations of Photon-Excited Atom Interactions; A Moments Approach for Generating Rapidly Convergent Energy Bounds for the 3N-Body Problem; and Time-Lag Control Problems Governed by Integro-Differential Equations with Side Conditions. This project will produce useful data in several areas of basic research that utilize physics, mathematical physics, and quantum chemistry. The studies will also lead to a better understanding of excited states photo-ionization, N-body bosonic and fermionic systems, and optimal control processes that are governed by integro-differential equations with time lag (heat flow, elasticity, etc.). This comprehensive investigation of the photoionization of excited atomic states will significantly increase the research capability of a predominantly minority institution. The principal investigators are well-trained and have published widely in several refereed journals. Faculty and students working on this project will strengthen those research skills that will help in developing a first-rate optics laboratory at this institution.
