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Dennis Clouthier
Professor of Chemistry (Physical Chemistry)
Applications of Lasers to Chemical Research
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Our NSF-funded research involves laser spectroscopy of reactive intermediates, with particular emphasis on those involved in semiconductor growth processes. The laser experiments typically involve shining an intense laser beam into the sample of interest and detecting the absorption spectrum indirectly, by observing fluorescence or phosphorescence of the species interacting with the laser light. From this data we can determine information such as the identity of the absorbing species, its geometry, its concentration, and how reactive or short-lived it is. The detection limits using such methods are often at the part per billion (ppb) level or better.
We "synthesize" reactive intermediates by striking an electric discharge in a stream of precursor molecules seeded in a large excess of argon. This fragments the stable precursor producing a variety of products which are cooled to very low temperatures (5-10K) The undergraduate project will involve the study of the spectrum of a reactive intermediate of current interest to our group.
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Interpretation of the rotational structure in the spectrum will allow us to obtain the precise molecular structure of the intermediate in the ground and excited states. Under close supervision by Dr. Clouthier and a graduate student, the NSF-REU student will learn to operate a variety of state-of-the-art laser, vacuum, and data acquisition equipment, obtain spectra, analyze the results using our spectrum prediction and interpretation programs, and determine the first molecular structure of a new reactive intermediate. In the process the student will gain an understanding of laboratory techniques not normally taught to undergraduates and will learn aspects of the theory and practice of high-resolution molecular spectroscopy. This project would be especially suitable for students with an interest in laboratory instrumentation and/or computers. |
Further details of Dr. Clouthier's work are given on the Chemistry website. |
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