Studying molecule-surface interaction potentials using magnetic molecular interference experiments.

The complex interference pattern measured in a Magnetic Molecular Interferometry (MMI) experiment is one of the most sensitive observables of the interaction between a molecule and a solid surface, containing detailed information on the change of the rotational wave function during the collision event. The student will be working on a new EPSRC project ( EP/X037886/1 ) which aims to extract the molecule-surface interaction potential directly from the experimental data.

Currently such potentials can only be calculated, calculations which involve major approximations leading to restricted accuracy and significant uncertainty. Empirical determining of molecule-surface potentials would serve as an important benchmark for further theoretical development and have an impact on a wide range of field and applications which rely on such calculations, ranging from heterogenous catalysis to astrochemistry.

The project will include performing and analysing MMI measurements as well as using and further developing numerical simulation tools which relate MMI measurements to the underlying interaction potential. The project will be performed in collaboration with the theoretical chemistry group in Leiden.