9633002 Wodtke This project will investigate the fate of highly vibrationally excited molecular oxygen under conditions which are intended to simulate those occurring in the upper stratosphere. The goal of the project is to further understand ozone formation and destruction processes in this region, in particular, the hypothesized formation of ozone from the reaction of highly vibrationally excited (v> 26) oxygen with other oxygen molecules. Through a series of laboratory experiments, the PI will investigate reaction processes that lead to stratospheric ozone formation. The PI will construct a new experimental apparatus that involves Time-of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy that will be configured and optimized for the detection of chemical reaction products of highly vibrationally excited oxygen reactant species. Results from the project will advance what is known concerning the chemical and physical properties of molecular oxygen present in the stratosphere, and provide increased understanding of factors influencing stratospheric ozone concentrations. *** ATM-9633002
