This National Science Foundation Young Investigator project is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of surface analysis. During the tenure of this five-year award, Professor Levis and his students will develop mass spectroscopic methods for studying complex molecules adsorbed on surfaces and found in this films. Two primary thrusts are involved: (1) the use of hyperthermal (1-10 eV) atoms to promote nondissociative desorption of complex adsorbates from surfaces for subsequent mass spectroscopic analysis and (2) investigation of the use of laser vaporization of biological molecules for use in high speed DNA sequencing experiments. %%% The successful attainment of the goals of this project should give rise to new mass spectroscopic techniques for molecular-level surface characterization, novel approaches to rapid DNA sequencing, and new approaches to heteroepitaxial deposition of thin-film molecular solids. Additionally, this NSF Young Investigator Award should significantly assist Professor Levis in his establishing a vital and productive program of research and research training.
