Laser Spectroscopy
Modern, state-of-the-art laser systems span pulse durations and wavelengths across many orders of magnitude. These lasers drive a diverse array of experiments which reveal the fundamental physical properties which underlie chemical structure and reactivity. These experiments include time-resolved spectroscopies of chemical dynamics on femtosecond timescales and super‑resolution, single‑molecule microscopies.
Our experiments are made possible by integrating our laser systems with custom, home-built instruments including mass spectrometers, cryogenic ion traps, confocal microscopes, and multidimensional optical spectrometers. Our laser spectroscopy groups continue to push the limits of current technologies while striving to develop novel, next-generation experiments, and instrumentation. These efforts keep us at the forefront of contemporary research in physical chemistry.
Affiliated Faculty
Joe Fournier
Physical chemistry, laser spectroscopy, cryogenic mass spectrometry, ultrafast reaction dynamics, proton transfer reactions, ion hydration
Dewey Holten
Physical and biophysical chemistry, primary reactions of photosynthesis, tetrapyrrole photophysics, ultrafast optical spectroscopy
Richard Loomis
Physical and materials chemistry, semiconductor nanomaterials, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, single-molecule microscopy, quantum-confinement effects, next generation solar cells, chemical reaction dynamics, clusters, ion time-of-flight mass spectrometry, velocity map imaging
Richard Mabbs
Physical chemistry/chemical physics, anion and cluster anion photoelectron spectroscopy, reaction dynamics, static and femto-second optical spectroscopy, electron molecule interactions, photodissociation of anionic species
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Before attending the WashU graduate chemistry program, I had a general understanding of spectroscopic techniques and laboratory practices. With the availability and advantages of one-on-one mentoring, interdisciplinary opportunities, and access to advanced instrumentation, I have developed an array of skills necessary for success in a competitive scientific field. The diverse range of research groups available in the WashU chemistry department allowed me to find research projects that not only captivated my interests, but provided the unique challenges needed to cultivate experiences that were truly rewarding.
―Matt SandersonPhD Candidate, Loomis Lab