Units

Spectroscopy, Quantum Chemistry and Atmospheric Remote Sensing

The ''Service de Chimie quantique et Photophysique'' (previously ''Service de Chimie Physique Moléculaire'') is active in the field of physical chemistry. The research focuses on the internal structure of atoms and molecules and their related reactivity. We interrogate species using light and perform high resolution spectroscopic experiments with Fourier transform interferometers and lasers. We simultaneously calculate their properties using computers with ab initio time dependent and independent methods. We are most concerned by the role the species we investigate play in Earth's atmospheric processes, and in other planetary and stellar atmospheres as well as in the interstellar space. Besides the development and use of state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical investigation means in the laboratory, we participate to remote sensing satellite missions and perform ground based validation measurements. Theoretical modeling results from both our laboratory and remote sensing activities. Our research activities are detailed under the following three main themes: 1. Experimental Molecular Chemical Physics 2. Quantum Chemistry and Atomic Physics 3. Spectroscopy of the Atmosphere

Projetcs

Computational atomic structure

Calculation of atomic structures and data including energy levels, electronaffinities, radiative and non-radiative transition rates, lifetimes of excited levels, fine and hyperfine parameters, isotope shifts of neutral atoms, negative and multicharged ions. These atomic data are relevant in astrophysics, plasmas physics, thermonuclear fusion research programs and in the study of earth and planetary atmospheres. We contribute to the development of methods and computer codes for calculating electronic wave functions and spectroscopic properties, including correlation and relativistic effects.

Atomic and molecular dynamics and reactivity

In this research project we study the properties (energies, radiative transition probabilities, autoionization rates and population mechanisms) of multiply excited states formed during collisions of atoms with photons, ions, molecules, metallic surfaces and high-energy alpha particles. We are developing wave-packet propagation methods for calculating photodissociation and electron transfer cross-sections.