Laser spectroscopy and dynamics of transient species. Final progress report, June 1, 1986--May 31, 1996

This project involved the study of the spectroscopy and excited state dynamics of transient molecules, particularly sulfur- and/or oxygen-containing species. The identification and study of sulfur species is important in understanding their role in combustion processes, as sulfur compounds are often present in fuels. The oxygen-containing species chosen for study were new systems whose spectroscopy was only poorly documented. The major experimental techniques employed in this work were pyrolysis jet spectroscopy, intracavity dye laser spectroscopy and high-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Since many of the species had not been previously studied by laser techniques, much effort was devoted to determining methods for producing, identifying and studying them. We have been very successful in a number of cases and have developed some new experimental techniques. Lists of publications resulting from the work and graduate and postdoctoral students supported during this project are included at the end of this report. Summaries of the results of some specific aspects of the project are given below