Outline of Current Research Projects

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I.   Three-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy A combination of femtosecond pulsed infrared and Raman spectroscopies is revolutionizing our understanding of vibrational energy in molecules and at interfaces. Current research is focused on vibrational energy in molecular nanostructures. A. Water and other liquids B. Watching vibrational energy flow through molecules C. Energy flow across a molecular interface: reverse micelles II.  Ultrafast shock wave spectroscopy A. Nanoshocks in materials Nanoshocks are a new way of studying condensed phase dynamics, producing large-amplitude displacements, and extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure. B.  Nanoshocks with atomic resolution Combining nanoshocks with interface-selective nonlinear spectroscopy (vibrational sum-frequency generation)gives us atomic spatial resolution to watch the real-time shock compression of chemical monolayers III. Surface and interface spectroscopy A powerful broadband multiplex vibrational sum frequency generation apparatus has been developed that probes molecules at surfaces and interfaces using nonlinear optics A. Time-resolved spectroscopy at a working electrochemical fuel cell B. Interfaces under high pressure IV. Energetic materials Nanotechnology is revolutionizing fuels, propellants and explosives Studies of the fundamental mechanisms of energetic materials directed toward decreased sensitivity and greater safety V.  Time-resolved microscopy of laser microchemistry Lasers are being used to drive chemistry in microdomains of organized media--changing the way we fabricate and synthesize materials, and revolutionizing the field of graphic arts.