Crossed Molecular Beams Investigations on the Dynamics and Energetics of Elementary Boron Reactions with Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

摘要

We have demonstrated the capability to carry out crossed molecular beams reactions of boron atoms with unsaturated hydrocarbons (here allene). It should be recalled that the AFOSR Grant FA9550-05-1-0124 under which the experiments have been conducted was intended as a starter grant to get the experimental setup complete, the boron source optimized, and first data on boron atom reactions. Effective 8/1/2005, the crossed beams experiments as outlined under 'Objectives' are continued under AFOSR grant W911NF-05-1-0448. In addition, we have finalized the design and construction of a new electron impact ionizer incorporating soft electron impact ionization utilizing tunable electron energies as low as 7 eV. This will enable us to detect potential small hydrocarbon radical fragments such as methyl, ethyl, vinyl, and ethynyl and also allows us to discriminate between isomers of the heavy reaction products formed via dicarbon versus atomic/molecular hydrogen exchange pathways if their ionization potentials are separated by about 0.5-0.75 eV. Currently, the operational conditions of this unit are tested in a separate UHV chamber.