Spectroscopic Investigations of Exotic Carbon and Silicon Molecules

在这个由化学系实验物理化学计划资助的项目中，哈佛-史密森天体物理天文台的塔迪厄斯教授将实施一项研究计划，利用实验室的傅立叶变换微波光谱学，结合超声波分子束、长程毫米波光谱学和激光光谱学，研究假设的碳和硅分子的转动和电子光谱。将寻找和研究以前未被观察到的物种，如硅簇和硅氢化物，以及反应环化合物，如从头计算假设的间苯并、环戊二烯和四脱氢苯。此外，还将研究复杂的分子离子，如质子化的环链、环链卡宾和弱极性分子和络合物。这些分子中的许多预计将在燃烧和半导体生长过程等工业过程中作为活性中间体发挥作用，以及在天文学中发挥作用。这项工作将有助于回答关于相同大小的碳和硅分子的结构和成键的基本问题。这项研究将在研究生和本科生以及博士后研究助理的帮助下进行。这些学员将接受现代物理化学方面的高级培训，为在工业、学术或政府部门深造或就业做准备。与美国和其他地方的实验和理论小组的合作将有助于开展这项研究。

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Thaddeus of the Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will conduct a research program for the investigation of rotational and electronic spectra of postulated carbon and silicon molecules by means of laboratory Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, in combination with a supersonic molecular beam, long-path millimeter-wave spectroscopy, and laser spectroscopy. Previously unobserved species, such as silicon clusters and silicon hydrides, and reactive ring compounds, e.g., meta-benzyne, cyclopentadienylidene and tetradehydrobenzenes postulated by ab initio theory will be searched for and investigated. In addition, investigations will be carried out on complex molecular ions, such as protonated ring-chains, ring-chain carbenes, and weakly polar molecules and complexes. Many of these molecules are expected to play a role as reactive intermediates in industrial processes such as combustion and semiconductor growth processes, as well as in astronomy. The work will serve to answer basic questions about the structure and bonding of carbon and silicon molecules of the same size.The research will be conducted with the assistance of graduate and undergraduate students and post doctoral research associates. These participants will acquire advanced training in contemporary physical chemistry in preparation for advanced studies or employment in the industrial, academic, or government sectors of our economy. Collaborations with experimental and theoretical groups in the USA and elsewhere will contribute to the conduct of the research.