Alignment and Wave Packet Chemical Dynamics

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The Experimental Physical Chemistry Program supports Prof. Stephen Leone of the University of Colorado at Boulder in his continuing studies of alignment and wave packet chemical dynamics. In these experiments, he will prepare atoms in specific excited states and probe the orbital alignment of two colliding excited state atoms. From these studies he will measure 3- and 4- (and possibly 5-) vector correlations. In addition, he will investigate wave packet focusing and alignment in diatomic and polyatomic molecules using ultrafast laser techniques. Here he plans to measure photoionization cross sections vs. internuclear separation, select time-dependent photofragment pathways, and study polyatomic wave packet dynamics of fluxional molecules (pseudorotation in lithium trimer molecules, e.g.). Ultimately the objective in the field of molecular reaction dynamics is to control and/or be able to predict the outcome of elementary chemical processes. The experiments proposed by Leone easily satisfy both objectives and nicely lead us into the chemistry of the next millenium when it may become possible to manipulate routinely which products are formed in a reaction and the states in which they are formed.