Physical Chemistry Research Topics

The major theme of research in the physical chemistry section is Dynamics, Photochemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, i.e., the interactions of molecules with each other, with solid or liquid surfaces, or with light. These studies provide profound insights into the nature of chemistry at its most fundamental level. They are also of direct practical benefit in a diversity of fields, ranging from environmentally significant reactions in the atmosphere, surfaces that are important in the depths of interstellar dust clouds, through probes of combustion and technological plasmas, to the creation of new diamond surfaces and the development of sensitive analytical probes based on them.We have particular strengths in laser-based spectroscopic methods and surface-science facilities. The department has outstanding experimental facilities in this area, including a wide range of tuneable and fixed frequency lasers. Broad topics covered in DPAS are:

• Dynamics and Kinetics of Molecular Collisions - Dr. M. L. Costen
• Laser and Plasma Chemistry - Prof. P. John
• Surface Science - Prof. M. R. S. McCoustra
• Dynamics of Reactive and Inelastic Collisions - Prof. K. G. McKendrick