Laser system for testing reactive collision theories, new reactions, and methods of quantum control in a cold polar molecule-ion chemistry platform
Abstract
We have begun an experimental program to enable quantum-state-resolved ionmoleculechemistry in the pristine environment of the cold, dilute gas phase. Specifically,through the AFOSR BRI program, we have constructed a cold molecular beam usingcryogenic buffer-gas cooling coupled a radio frequency Paul trap with an integratedmass spectrometer. This system is being used to observe reactions between the coldmolecular beam and cold target ions held in the Paul trap. This system has manyattractive features for the study of polyatomic molecule-ion chemistry. With this systemit is possible to study essentially any molecule-ion reaction, thereby allowing importantadvances in the understanding of, for example, interstellar and atmospheric chemistry.Further, this platform allows a number of measurements not previously possible,including quantum state resolved measurements of reaction rates, product branchingratios, and non-adiabatic effects. Additionally, the long reaction time afforded by thissystem allows the exploration of rare reaction events and the possibility to simulate anentire ion-neutral chemical network in situ, possibly revealing the effect of productquantum states on subsequent reactions. Currently, we are beginning to use this platformto uncover and test new theories of pure-state quantum chemistry beyond adiabaticcapture theory. In the longer term, we will use this same, general platform to explore avariety of ion-molecule reactions, including those relevant for interstellar chemistry,atmospheric chemistry, and molecular anion chemistry; we will especially focus onexploring ion-molecule reactions involving large (>10 atoms) molecules.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810425
Entities
People
- Wesley C Campbell
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Los Angeles