Are you interested in cutting-edge research at the intersection of theoretical and experimental physics? This master project offers an exciting opportunity to study the dynamics of atomic fragments resulting from the photodissociation of diatomic molecules using advanced laser techniques and state-of-the-art imaging methods.
Project Overview
This project involves a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches to explore how diatomic molecules break apart upon laser excitation and how their atomic fragments behave. The research will focus on:
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Laser Excitation & Molecular Alignment: Using a stepwise excitation scheme to excite and partially align diatomic molecules with respect to laser polarization.
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Photodissociation & Photoionization: Investigating the dissociation of molecules into atomic fragments upon absorption of the final photon, as well as exploring possible photoionization processes by detecting electrons and molecular ions.
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Velocity-Map Imaging (VMI): Measuring and analyzing the angular distribution and kinetic energy of the dissociation fragments.
Theoretical Component
The theoretical analysis will progress through the following steps:
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A semi-classical approach for molecular alignment and dissociation employing Monte Carlo simulations.
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A quantum mechanical approach based on numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation, including the calculation of differential cross sections and angular distributions to simulate VMI pictures.
Experimental Component
The experimental work will involve:
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Conducting laser excitation experiments on diatomic molecules.
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Measuring velocity-map imaging (VMI) pictures to capture the dissociation fragments.
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Learning and applying data analysis techniques to extract physical insights from the experimental results.