Applications of 1-D and 2-D Spectroscopy at THz and IR Frequencies

The timescales of interest in chemical and biological science span a wide range, from ultrafast local reaction chemistry (femtosecond to nanosecond), to much slower, long range dynamics (tens of milliseconds to seconds). It is the coupling between these different timescales that governs reaction dynamics. In particular, it is the motion occurring at terahertz (THz) or far-infrared frequencies, and more importantly the coupling between these motions that control reaction dynamics.

This project will involve the development of 1-D and 2-D THz instrumentation and in particular the development of high-field THz sources based on a range of technologies including photoconductive antenna arrays, electro-optic crystals, air plasmas and thin layer liquid films.

These spectrometers will be used to understand the coupling of vibrational motion at THz frequencies in a range of molecular crystalline solids and simple liquids and will be supported by spectral calculations to understand the long-range interactions apparent at these frequencies. Measurements in Leeds will be supplemented by THz and Infrared measurements at FELIX, and 2D-IR measurements at both the Central Laser Facility in Harwell and with collaborators in York and Sheffield.