Photoelectrons and Recombining Electrons in Atomic and Molecular Systems

This work in this dissertation explores how photoelectrons enter and exit atoms and molecules. The electron rescattering events which may occur during photoionization or photorecombination processes play a dominant role in the understanding of how photoelectrons enter and exit molecules, which is intrinsically linked to how chemical reactions occur. Chapters 3-4 of this dissertation present evidence of vibrational mode specific breakdown of the Franck-Condon Principle in the photoionization of low symmetry molecules, acrolein and the singly halogenated thiophenes, due to resonant and non-resonant electron rescattering dynamics. In Chapters 5-6, the disentanglement of the valence electronic structure, as well as evidence for low-energy shape resonances, of the pyrimidine-type nucleobases, thymine, uracil, and cytosine, is shown using high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy. Chapters 7-8 discuss the use of elliptically polarized light for high-order harmonic generation as a probe for electron rescattering dynamics in the gas-phase medium.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

Chemistry

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Fulfer, Kristen D'Ann

• photoelectron
• high-order harmonic
• spectroscopy
• electron rescattering dynamics

Statement dc:rights

• restricted
• Student has submitted appropriate documentation to restrict access to LSU for 365 days after which the document will be released for worldwide access.

Identifier

etd-03172015-140354
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/1291

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.lsu.edu:gradschool_dissertations-2290