Laser Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Description
Optics mounted on a floating table enable investigation of ultrafast
processes with lasers Gai Group
Research in experimental physical chemistry at Penn uses modern
state-of-the-art experimental techniques to obtain a fundamental
understanding of the structure, dynamics, and reactivity of molecular
systems. Species under investigation range from isolated gas-phase
molecules—such as radicals, intermediates, highly-excited molecules, and molecular
clusters—to condensed phase systems involving surfaces, liquid
solutions, biological macromolecules, and novel materials. Spectroscopic and
dynamical methods are used to probe potential energy surfaces of molecules,
molecule-surface interactions, and solute-solvent forces, as well as chemical
reactions, photochemistry, and energy-transfer processes. Penn is recognized
internationally as a center of expertise for the applications of lasers to
chemical and biological problems. There are outstanding programs in
high-resolution laser spectroscopy, multiphoton processes, nonlinear optics,
and ultrafast phenomena. In addition to lasers, synchrotron radiation,
molecular beam, scanning probe microscopy, and ultrahigh vacuum surface
analysis methods are widely used. As part of the interdisciplinary Laboratory
for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) at Penn, physical chemists are
examining structural and dynamical aspects of novel materials, liquid
crystalline phases, and thin films. Many fundamental physical processes of
large biomolecules are under investigation in the Regional Laser and
Biotechnological Laboratories (RLBL).
Faculty
