Experimental Methods
A key component of the research strategy outlined below is the combination of sensitive spectroscopic techniques with our experimental systems that allow for measurements over a wide range of pressures and temperatures. Specifically, radical species will be measured using infrared cavity ringdown spectroscopy (IR CRDS), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), and atomic resonance fluorescence (ARF). Three primary experimental systems will be employed:
- A slit-source pulsed supersonic jet expansion to prepare and detect vibrationally and rotationally cold complexes and reactive intermediates;
- A “wall-less” high-pressure flow (HPF) system capable of covering the range 180-400 K; 5-1000 hPa with full flow development in either the laminar or turbulent domain and encompassing all detection methods noted above
- An extended-range HPF system that can reach temperatures down to 150 K and pressures above 500 hPa, employing detection methods noted above in combination with high resolution (0.002 cm-1) FTIR.
