Ion-Molecule Collision Dynamics at Temperatures Below 30 K

Mark a . Smith博士获得了实验物理化学项目的资助，研究接近绝对零度温度下的离子-分子反应。这些测量结果为研究星际云中分子合成的机制提供了有价值的见解。Smith正在追求一种双管齐下的方法，旨在推进超低能量状态下分子碰撞动力学的直接研究方法。该计划的一部分旨在获得小分子在离开自由射流时旋转和平行平移自由度的详细表征。这些数据将为气体混合物的超音速流动理论的基本进展提供关键的输入。在研究计划的第二部分，流动表征研究的结果被用来更好地解释在4至30 K状态下的三分子离子结合反应的动力学观察。

Dr. Mark A. Smith is supported by a grant from the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program to study ion-molecule reactions at temperatures approaching absolute zero. These measurements provide valuable insight into the mechanism of molecular synthesis in interstellar clouds where these conditions are approached. Smith is pursuing a two pronged approach aimed at advancing the methodology for the direct study of molecular collision dynamics in the ultralow energy regime. One portion of this program is directed at obtaining a detailed characterization of the rotational and parallel translational degrees of freedom for small molecules as they exit the free jet. This data will provide critical input for the fundamental advancement of supersonic flow theory for gaseous mixtures. In the second portion of the program of study the results from the flow characterization studies are used to better interpret kinetic observations of termolecular ion association reactions in the 4 to 30 K regime.