Laser Studies of Energy Flow in Polyatomic Molecules

In this project in the Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, George Flynn of Columbia University will use high resolution infrared diode laser absorption techniques to study four dynamical processes. Included in these experiments are the study of energy flow from individual quantum states of highly vibrationally excited molecules to acceptor collision partners; the quenching of electronically excited molecules with unpaired spins, with emphasis on the quantum states in which the acceptor molecules are left; reaction dynamics involving hot atom reagents; and non-reactive hot-atom collision processes which produce vibrationally excited collision partners. %%% Experimental studies of chemical reactions and relaxation phenomena involving electronic, vibrational, and rotational energies of molecular systems are important to scientists examining the energy transfer mechanisms and chemical reactivity of relatively complex species. Many biochemists, chemists, and physicists are interested in a detailed understanding of energy exchange in order to understand how chemical reactions occur as well as what causes a system undergoing collision to react rather than transfer any excess internal energy. These experiments should help elucidate the fundamental forces which control reactive and nonreactive collision processes.