In this project in the Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Lon Knight of Furman University will use electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques to study small cluster cation radicals. The radicals will be generated in low-temperature matrices using x-irradiation as well as synchronized pulsed gas/pulsed laser vaporization. The experimental measurements will yield electronic structure information which will be shared with theory groups for collaborative analysis and interpretation. Study of a series of heavy-atom diatomic radicals should aid in the development of ab initio spin-density calculations. Information obtained from this work on small unstable ionized molecules will be useful in determining the optimum conditions for fabricating semiconductor microelectronic components, in identifying new interstellar species, and in understanding reactions in the earth's upper atmosphere.
