Next Generation Experiment and Theory for Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Started

Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Photovoltaics)
Not Energy Related
Other Power and Storage Technologies(Energy storage)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr AJM Kirrander
Oxford Chemistry
University of Oxford

Standard

EPSRC

01 September 2023

28 February 2027

42 months

£624,205

Chem. React. Dyn. & mechanisms

South East

NC : Physical Sciences

Dr AJM Kirrander, Oxford Chemistry, University of Oxford

Our understanding of the structure of molecules and the nature of the chemical bond has developed in tandem with our ability to measure the characteristics of the outer (valence) electrons that control chemical bonding. A key tool in this development has been photoelectron spectroscopy, whereby a high-energy burst of light removes an electron from the molecule. By measuring the energy of the outgoing electron and the direction in which it travels, we can obtain detailed information on the arrangement of the electrons and the nuclei in the molecule. Chemistry is very dynamic, with atoms and molecules in constant motion and chemical reactions defined by associated changes in structure and bonding. Measuring chemical dynamics in real time, from reactants to products, is challenging and requires probes capable of resolving the changes in the arrangement of the valence electrons responsible for chemical bonding. Using ultrashort pulses of light, we can make photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with sufficient time-resolution to track the dynamic changes in the molecular electronic structure during reactions.

13/08/25