Applications of lasers in chemistry
April 6th, 2008 by chris
As a postdoc in the research group of Prof Tim Softley, I helped to explore the chemistry at ultra-cold temperatures of species such as CH3F or CH2F2 in their reactions with Ca+ ions help in an ion trap. Preliminary experiments are currently being performed using a “Stark decelerator” for the generation of cold (~1 K) molecules of such species. Meanwhile, I am exploring methods for spectroscopic detection of these same species by a novel application of REMPI spectroscopy. This research helped me to develop my experimental skills and furnished me with a range of new experience in laser physics and spectroscopy.