Photodissociation Dynamics and Related Topics

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Dr. Kinsey is supported by a grant from The Physicl Chemistry Program to perform research in the field of molecular dynamics. Dr. Kinsey has devised sophisticated spectroscopic measurement techniques which enable chemists to observe individual molecules in the process of photodissociation after they have absorbed a photon. The technique is being applied to photochemically important atmospheric compounds such as ozone and hydrocarbons. When a molecule absorbs photons of a wavelength that promote photodissociation, it usually falls apart in a time which is short compared to the characteristic time for emission of light. Thus only a very tiny fraction of the absorbed photons are re-emitted. The spectroscopic properties of this miniscule minority are, however, extraordinarily instructive in showing dynamic processes both in the electronically excited state and in the ground state. Unusually long progressions in ground-state vibrations appear. A time-dependent formulation of Raman scattering reveals that the pattern of intensities in these wide-ranging spectra relates directly to the excited-state potential energy surface. Dr. Kinsey's research centers on extension and refinement of this newly discovered approach to the dynamics of extremely short-lived molecules and stable ground states. The approach will combine experimental and theoretical efforts to shed light on the details of "half-collison" processes.