Chemical Reaction Induced by keV Particle Bombardment

9317429 Garrison This project is in the area of surface science and focusses on the development of a firm theoretical understanding of chemical reactions at surfaces induced by energetic particle bombardment. During the tenure of this three-year continuing grant, Professor Garrison and her students will model keV particle bombardment of small organic molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces which are of catalytic interest, surface induced dissociation processes in which a 30-200 eV organic molecule strikes a surface, and finally the keV particle bombardment of thin films including self assembled monolayers and polymers. The emphasis will be on examining reactions that occur during each of these events and then relating the fundamental processes to experimental observations. %%% This research brings modern surface theory and computational chemistry to bear on understanding of how particle bombardment causes chemical reactions at surfaces. Models derived in the course of this work will be important to progress in the study of complex materials as diverse as catalysts, organic thin films, and biological cells. ***