The Chemistry of Meteoritic Metals in the Upper Atmosphere

该研究项目主要涉及与了解大气中层顶区域的金属化学有关的实验室研究。具体来说，这项工作将针对与NaO4分子的形成和破坏相关的特定化学反应和理论计算。此外，其他研究将研究碱金属原子的非均相化学和光溅射，铁和镁的氧化化学以及在中顶区域扩展当前的钠化学模型。了解这一主题对利用高功率激光雷达系统研究中层顶和低层热层的结构和动力学具有重要意义。

This research program primarily involves laboratory studies related to understanding the metal chemistry of the mesopause region of the atmosphere. Specifically the work will be directed towards specific chemical reactions and theoretical calculations associated with the formation and destruction of the NaO4 molecule. In addition, other studies will investigate heterogeneous chemistry and photosputtering of the alkali metal atoms, oxidation chemistry for Fe and Mg and an expansion of the current model of sodium chemistry in the mesopause region. Understanding of this topic is of great interest in the use of high power lidar systems to study the structure and dynamics of the mesopause and lower thermosphere.