PhD Opportunity in Molecular Collision Dynamics
Dr Matt Costen, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University
A funded PhD position in physical chemistry/chemical physics is available in the Institute of Chemical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University to work under the supervision of Dr Matt Costen, from September 2013. We study the dynamics of photodissociation, inelastic and reactive collisions in the gas-phase, and at the interface between gases and liquids, using a wide variety of laser-based spectroscopic techniques.
Opportunities exist in the flowing areas:
Inelastic Scattering of Electronically Excited Molecules
We are currently building a new high-vacuum apparatus combining crossed-molecular beams with velocity-map ion-imaging. This state-of-the-art apparatus will be used to study the collisions of electronically excited NO radicals with a variety of molecules relevant to combustion and atmospheric chemistry. The resulting detailed measurements of the scattering dynamics will provide unprecedented insight into the forces acting during these collisions, including those involved in reaction and transfer between different electronic states.
Photodissociation and ‘Roaming’ Dynamics
We have recently constructed a velocity-map ion-imaging spectrometer to study photodissociation dynamics. Our particular focus here is to look for so-called ‘roaming’ pathways, which have been observed in several systems over recent years, and to establish how common these actually are. The VMI technique is ideal for this purpose, as it enables you to measure the correlated fragment internal state distributions that contain the signatures of the roaming process.
Inelastic Collision Dynamics via Frequency Modulated Spectroscopy
Another approach to probing collision dynamics is to measure the velocity and angular momentum polarization of molecules by sub-Doppler spectroscopy. A particularly sensitive absorption technique is Frequency-Modulated spectroscopy using tuneable diode lasers. We are unsing this to study the collision dynamics of the CN radical with different atomic and molecular colliders in the gas phase as an on-going area of research. We are also currently developing its application to the dynamics of collisions of CN radicals with the surfaces of liquids.
In all cases you will receive an excellent training in modern aspects of experimental science, including lasers, vacuum technology, electronic data capture and computer modelling. You will be part of a vibrant wider experimental chemical dynamics research group, comprised of academics, post-docs, PhD and MChem students.
The studentship is available through the James Watt Scholarship programme, including fees and stipend for 3 years for UK/EU and overseas students. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Costen, [log in to unmask]
To apply, please go to:
http://www.eps.hw.ac.uk/institutes/chemical-sciences/vacancies.htm
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 30th APRIL 2013
To join or leave the molecular-dynamics-news email list, go to:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/molecular-dynamics-news.html
|