H. Floyd Davis

Professor

Overview

The Davis group uses laser and molecular beam methods to study the dynamics of elementary bimolecular and photochemical reactions.   Reactions of interest involve organic and atmospheric free radicals, as well as transition metal atoms and simple transition metal complexes.

Research Focus

We experimentally study the dynamics of chemical reactions relevant to catalysis, combustion, and atmospheric chemistry. Our research employs photolytic and pyrolytic techniques to generate molecular beams containing neutral transition metal atoms, complexes, free radicals, and aerosol particles. Reactions are initiated by crossing such beams with a second molecular beam under single collision conditions. The angular and velocity distributions of the reaction products from single bimolecular collisions are measured to learn about: 1) the branching ratios for competing reactions; 2) the reaction mechanism(s); and 3) the disposal of excess energy into the products' degrees of freedom.

Publications

CHEM Courses - Spring 2024

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