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，邓宁将使用高里德伯态原子作为工具，对各种负离子种类的形成和性质进行全面研究。将研究激发的里德伯电子被目标分子捕获的电子转移反应，以获得离解电子附着的能量学信息。这将通过详细测量产物离子的角和速度分布来实现。运动学研究将用于探索此类物种的产生机制。将研究它们的寿命对母体中性点的旋转（和振动）状态的依赖性，以获得对旋转和电子运动耦合的新见解。将检查偶极结合离子与附着和极性目标的碰撞，以探索其化学性质。其中一个电子被激发到高位态的原子将用于对分子捕获电子进行全面研究。除了他们的基本兴趣之外，这项研究的结果还将在高压电气设备的击穿、工业等离子体处理以及新化合物的毒理学特性筛选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宝贵的实验技能，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.