Speaker: Jonathan Smith
Title: Chemical Reaction Dynamics: Insights from Theory and Experiment
Abstract: Molecular energetics and reactions are encoded in their vibrational signature. Integral to interpretation of this signature are novel experiments and computations. Highly energetic molecular species are central to reaction dynamics and play a role in diverse areas including interstellar chemistry, combustion chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and solution chemistry. These reactive species often form after absorption of ultraviolet photons followed by internal conversion to energized ground state species. These species sample the potential energy surface far from equilibrium yielding complicated anharmonic vibrational emission spectra. Interpretation of time resolved vibrational emission spectra provides important details about the energetics, dynamics, and identity of the emitting species which is aided by novel computations. These computational challenges are met by a combination of anharmonic force field calculations and direct dynamics.
The Hylleraas seminars alternate between Oslo (room Desolation Row) and Tromsø (room C302), and are broadcasted by video conference to the other place. It is possible to follow the seminars externally upon request.