Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Spectroscopy can be defined as the interaction of electromagnetic waves (or light) with molecules. Unlike our macroscopic world where all arbitrary amount of energy is allowed molecules have discrete energy levels and the microscopic world is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. These discrete energy levels can be observed experimentally by spectroscopy. Spectroscopy in general is the most widely used technique to characterize molecules. The instrumental setup we propose is best described by the name of REMPI.REMPI is an acronym for Resonant Enhanced MultiPhoton Ionization. In this particular type of spectroscopy more than one photon (the microscopic equivalent of light) is used to probe the discrete energy levels of a molecule. Following the absorption of multiple photons the molecule is ionized by at least another photon and detected. This process involving multiple photons has a relatively low probability and this is why a powerful light source generating a large amount of photons (a laser) is needed. With its high resolution laser this instrument is essential to acquire an accurate knowledge of rotational, vibrational and electronic energy levels of the molecules studied. This knowledge is important in many areas of chemistry. Because of its central location in the chemistry department it will be accessible to all our research personnel and it will be intensively used to investigate fundamental problems in physical chemistry.