The scientific community has built models of molecular behavior that have increased in complexity as they increase in size. These models are confirmed by experimentation. As the scale at which models are accurate has increased, so too has there been an increase in the size of the molecules whose properties need to be investigated. In the field of gas phase spectroscopy, laser vaporization makes it possible for larger molecules to be investigated. This experiment seeks to convert a ZEKE/MATI/REMPI spectrometer from thermal vaporization to laser ablation. Methods for sample preparation and the laser ablation process were developed and tested using the molecule 9-Hydroxy-9-fluorenecarboxylic acid. This methodology produces wavelength dependent spectrum, but the shot-to-shot fluctuations continue to limit the applicability of this method to other molecules.
"},{"label":"Degree","value":["Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors"]},{"label":"Administrative Note","value":"2010