Collaborative Research: Infra-red Control of Electron-Transfer Mechanisms

在这个由化学系化学结构、动力学和机制计划支持的合作项目中，杜克大学的David N.Beratan教授和杜兰大学的Igor V.Rubtsov教授将开发控制电子转移反应的方法。他们将通过开发方法来操纵分子内部和分子之间的电子通信强度来实现这一目标；这些电子相互作用影响电子转移的速度。Beratan小组将使用量子力学和统计力学理论来设计、分析和解释具有桥局域振动模式的结构中的非弹性电子转移动力学。我们的目标是开发分子内非弹性电子隧穿的解释性和预测性描述，这些分子包括电子供体、电子桥和电子受体。杜兰大学的Rubtsov小组将开发超快激光和多维红外光谱方法，以检验双缝电子传输实验和分子电子转移问题之间的相似之处。这项工作将对发展直觉产生广泛影响，这可能导致在光通信和太阳能收集方面的应用。贝拉坦和鲁布佐夫教授正在通过为经济上处于不利地位和历史上代表性不足的群体提供暑期研究机会来促进科学教育。正在为一年级学生开发一个新的课程群，以考察科学的基本哲学基础。

In this collaborative project, supported by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program of the Division of Chemistry, Professor David N. Beratan of Duke University and Professor Igor V. Rubtsov of Tulane University will develop methods to control electron transfer reactions. They will accomplish this goal by developing approaches to manipulate the strength of electronic communication within and between molecules; these electronic interactions influence the rates of electron transfer. The Beratan group will employ quantum and statistical mechanical theories to design, analyze and interpret inelastic electron-transfer kinetics in structures with bridge-localized vibrational modes. The goal is to develop interpretive and predictive descriptions of intramolecular inelastic electron tunneling in a variety of molecules containing an electron donor, a bridge, and an electron acceptor. The Rubtsov group at Tulane will develop ultrafast laser and multi-dimensional infrared spectroscopic methods to examine analogies between the double slit electron transmission experiment and the molecular electron-transfer problem.This work will have a broad impact in developing intuition that may lead to applications in optical communication and solar energy harvesting. Professors Beratan and Rubtsov are promoting science education by providing summer research opportunities to economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups. A new course cluster for first-year students is under development to examine the fundamental philosophical foundations of science.