Studies of Electron Capture, Secondary Processes, and Photodetachment in High Pressure Ion Sources

这项研究，在化学部的分析和表面化学计划中，将研究分子的电子俘获。电子捕获应用于某些类别的分子的识别和定量，最突出的是具有生物和环境重要性的含有卤素的分子。格里姆斯鲁德教授的研究使用质谱仪来观察电子捕获过程，并对样品中的微量污染物进行量化。格里姆斯鲁德的工作的独特之处在于他使用了光分离调制。这提高了分析测量的特异度和灵敏度。人们还可以区分基态和激发态的电子捕获能力，这对于了解光化学如何改变环境中卤化化合物的化学很重要。对二次过程(电子捕获事件之前或之后的过程)的研究也表明了所研究化合物的常压气相化学的细节，并有助于理解分析测量中的意外灵敏度。

This research, in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, will study electron capture by molecules. Electron capture finds application in identification and quantification of certain classes of molecules, most prominently halogen containing molecules which are of biological and environmental importance. Prof. Grimsrud's research uses mass spectrometry to observe the process of electron capture and to quantify trace contaminants in samples. The unique aspect of Grimsrud's work is his use of photodetachment modulation. This improves specificity and sensitivity in analytical measurements. One can also differentiate electron capture capabilities of ground states and excited states, which is important in understanding how photochemistry modifies the chemistry of halogenated compounds in the environment. The study of secondary processes (processes preceeding or succeeding the electron capture event) also is indicative of details of atmospheric pressure gas-phase chemistry of the studied compounds, and is useful in understanding unexpected sensitivity in analytical measurements.