Studies of Chemical Processes Using Rydberg Atoms

在这个由化学部实验物理化学项目资助的项目中，Dunning将使用高里德伯态原子作为工具，对各种负离子的形成和性质进行全面研究。在电子转移反应中，激发的里德伯电子被靶分子捕获，以获得解离电子附着的能量学信息。这将通过对产物离子的角和速度分布的详细测量来完成。运动学研究将用于探索这些物种产生的机制。它们的寿命对母中性的旋转（和振动）状态的依赖将被研究，以获得关于旋转和电子运动耦合的新见解。偶极结合离子与附著和极性目标的碰撞将被检查以探索它们的化学性质。其中一个电子被激发到高能级状态的原子将用于进行分子捕获电子的全面研究。除了它们的基本利益之外，这项研究的结果将在高压电气设备的击穿，工业等离子体处理以及筛选新化合物的毒理学特性等领域具有重要的实际应用。这项工作将为研究生和本科生提供实践培训，并为他们提供一系列有价值的实验技能，为深造或进入科学/技术劳动力做好准备。

In this project funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Dunning will use atoms in high Rydberg states as a tool with which to conduct a comprehensive study of the formation and properties of a wide variety of negative ion species. Electron transfer reactions in which the excited Rydberg electron is captured by a target molecule will be investigated to obtain information on the energetics of dissociative electron attachment. This will be accomplished through detailed measurements of the angular and velocity distributions of the product ions. Kinematic studies will be used to explore the mechanisms by which such species are created. The dependence of their lifetime on the rotational (and vibrational) states of the parent neutral will be investigated to gain new insights into the coupling of rotational and electronic motions. Collisions of dipole-bound ions with attaching and polar targets will be examined to explore their chemical properties.Atoms in which one electron is excited to a high-lying state will be used to conduct a comprehensive study of electron capture by molecules. Aside from their fundamental interest, the results of this research will have important practical application in areas such as breakdown in high-voltage electrical equipment, industrial plasma processing, and in screening the toxicological properties of new compounds. The work will provide practical training for both graduate and undergraduate students and equip them with a valuable array of experimental skills in preparation for advanced studies or entry into the scientific/technological workforce.