Professor Farley will study the high resolution laser spectroscopy of negative molecular ions. Rare species of ions, normally difficult to produce in sufficient density to study, will be measured using a coaxial ion- and laser-beam spectrometer placed at the center of an optical buildup cavity. Photofragmentation and autodetachment of the negative ions as a function of optical excitation will lead to basic understanding of the electron-nuclear coupling processes in negatively charged molecular species.
