Please use the links provided for individual staff members to find out more about their current research.

Spectroscopy and Dynamics Group - Academic Staff Members

Helium Nanodroplets: Spectroscopy & Dynamics

Helium nanodroplets are sub-micron sized droplets of superfluid liquid helium which can be generated by ‘molecular’ beam techniques. Atoms and molecules can be trapped in these exotic, ultra-cold (0.4 K) droplets, allowing the exploration of a range of novel phenomena.  Our work includes the spectroscopy of molecules and clusters trapped in excited (metastable) states, the investigation of large molecular clusters, and the dynamics of chemical processes at exceptionally low temperatures. We are also using this unique solvent medium for the formation of novel atomic and molecular architectures.

Laser Spectroscopy

Our activities are derived from a number of independent research groups with strongly overlapping interests.  We have a wide range of laser, vacuum and microscopy equipment available in our well equipped laboratories. Our research spans a variety of areas of fundamental and applied physical chemistry and chemical physics including: studies of molecular free radicals, molecular clusters, molecules and clusters in helium nanodroplets, reaction dynamics in gases and on liquid surfaces, atmospheric science, optical tweezing, biospectroscopy and single molecule spectroscopy.

(Link to Laser Spectroscopy web page)

Molecular Simulations

Computer-based simulations are often critical for interpretation of our experimental data.  We frequently use standard ab initio electronic structure software packages, such as GAUSSIAN, to predict the structures and other properties of molecules. In addition, for dealing with ‘floppy’ systems we also exploit molecular dynamics techniques, particularly the Car-Parrinello procedure.