Molecular dynamics of chemical processes at surfaces

这项研究试图利用一个新的机会来详细了解简单化学过程在表面发生的方式。这个机会源于两个当代研究领域的融合：扫描隧道显微镜（STM）和反应动力学。STM允许实验者获得表面上单个分子的图像。反应动力学（由申请人与其他人开创的一个领域）是对引起化学反应的分子运动的研究。这两个场的结合提供了一个独特的机会，可以看到表面上的单个试剂分子，并在热、光或电子激活后，将它们的几何形状与随后的产品几何形状相关联。简单地说，有机会在表面反应过程中绘制分子运动图，一次一个分子。

This research seeks to exploit a new opportunity to obtain detailed understanding of the way in which simple chemical processes take place at surfaces. The opportunity stems from the confluence of two fields of contemporary research: Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Reaction Dynamics. STM allows the experimenter to obtain images of single molecules at surfaces. Reaction Dynamics (a field pioneered by the applicant with others) is the study of the molecular motions that give rise to chemical reaction. A combination of these two fields offers a unique opportunity to see individual reagent molecules at surfaces and, following activation by heat, light or electrons, to correlate their geometries with subsequent product geometries. Stated briefly, the opportunity exists to map the molecular motions in the course of surface reactions, a-molecule-at-a-time.