State-Resolved Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Chemical Transients

在这个由化学系实验物理化学计划资助的项目中，科罗拉多大学博尔德分校的Nesperson教授将进行一项由四个部分组成的分子光谱学研究计划。1)将利用高分辨率分子光谱学研究自由基和离子; 2）将进一步发展狭缝射流超音速高分辨率光谱学技术，以便能够进行动力学研究; 3）将利用交叉射流和狭缝射流膨胀技术研究原型4原子系统中的态-态反应动力学;以及4）将研究小的自折叠RNA序列的折叠动力学，以确定该过程如何取决于分子的条件和性质。 具体来说，在第一个任务中，最初的重点将是乙基，异丙基和环丙基自由基以及星际介质中发现的一些较长的碳链分子。 离子的初步工作将集中在H/D同位素取代的水合氢离子，以及质子化的甲烷分子。 第二组研究涉及烃自由基与氧的反应，形成含氧烷基自由基，而第三组将集中在原子与振动激发的水分子的反应。 这项研究将与研究生和本科生，包括妇女，代表性不足的少数民族和美洲原住民进行。 这些学生将获得知识和技能，为深造或进入科学/技术劳动力做准备。

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Nesbitt of the University of Colorado-Boulder will conduct a research program in molecular spectroscopy consisting of four parts. 1) Radicals and ions will be investigated by high-resolution molecular spectroscopy; 2) the technique of slit-jet supersonic high-resolution spectroscopy will be further developed to enable kinetic studies; 3) state-to-state reaction dynamics in prototypical 4-atom systems will be investigated with both crossed jet and slit jet expansion techniques; and 4) the folding dynamics of small self-folding RNA sequences will be investigated to determine how this process depends on the conditions and properties of the molecule. Specifically, in the first task the initial focus will be on the ethyl, isopropyl, and cyclopropyl radicals as well as on some longer carbon chain molecules found in the interstellar medium. The initial work on ions will concentrate on the H/D isotopically-substituted hydronium ion, as well as the protonated methane molecule. The second set of studies deals with reactions of hydrocarbon radicals with oxygen to form oxygenated alkyl radicals, while the third set will focus on the reactions of atoms with vibrationally excited water molecules. This research will be conducted with graduate and undergraduate students, including women, underrepresented minorities and Native Americans. These students will acquire knowledge and skills in preparation for advanced studies or entrance into the scientific/technical workforce.