Events in physical chemistry.

From synchronization to chemical reaction superpositions

Abstract: Synchronization abounds in nature—why is it so hard to synchronize quantum systems? I will discuss this general question and its relationship to quantum coherence and exciton delocalization. I will then report new experiments that show how a molecular exciton state can launch two a superposition of two chemical reactions. Specifically, we study femtosecond proton transfer in a symmetric molecule with two identical reactant sites that are spatially apart.

Nonlinear dynamics of ensembles of quantum emitters at plasmonic interfaces

Abstract:  The research in nanoplasmonics has attracted an appreciable interest from various sides of the scientific community including physics, materials science, chemistry, and biology. At the heart of the primary interest in plasmonics is the strong electromagnetic field localization at resonant frequencies corresponding to surface plasmon-polariton modes.

Nuclear Chemistry Revival by Design – New Activities at UC Irvine

Abstract: The ongoing decarbonization efforts in the United States require a combination of various energy technologies with a low carbon foot print, with nuclear energy playing a substantial role. A summary of recent progress in nuclear materials chemistry aimed towards the synthesis and improved performance of complex oxide materials for fusion and fission applications will be presented.

Probing Attosecond Electron Dynamics with X-ray Free Electron Lasers

Abstract: Electron motion is a key ingredient of chemical reactions and is also the means by which light energy is harnessed in photochemistry. The natural timescale for such electronic motion is typically in the range of tens to hundreds of attoseconds in small molecular systems. Consequently, the study of ultrafast electronic phenomena requires the generation of laser pulses shorter than 1 fs, and of sufficient intensity to interact with their target with high probability.

Ultrafast Dynamics of Molecular Vibrational Polaritons for Chemistry and Quantum Technology

Abstract: Molecular vibrational polaritons are hybrid half-light, half-matter quasiparticle under vibrational strong coupling. These hybrid quasiparticles not only inherit properties of both photons and matter, but also processes unique new photonic and molecular phenomena, including tilting chemical potential landscapes of reactions, adding new energy transfer pathways and strong photonic interactions. Many of these developments hinge on the fundamental understanding of the physical properties of molecular vibrational polaritons.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Physical Seminar