Division of Physical Chemistry

Research Profile

Prof. dr. Maurice Janssen

The research of Professor Janssen's Physical Chemistry group focuses on the (ultrafast) photodynamics of breaking a chemical bond. Our aim is to advance the understanding of (nonadiabatic) dynamics in photochemical reactions, using laser and imaging techniques. We combine state-of-the-art laser spectroscopic, molecular beam and sophisticated imaging techniques to study systems of elementary chemical or atmospheric importance. We run benchmark experiments that establish a firm basis in understanding chemical processes and that provide input information for ab initio based calculations as well as atmospheric and/or astronomical studies. We study (ultrafast) photochemical dynamics to measure interaction forces and to understand the processes responsible for the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. A new research line is recently developed using coincidence imaging of electrons and ions with femtosecond time resolution to ‘film’ the nonadiabatic events as they occur in real-time. Femtosecond pulse shaping is applied to subsequently control the reactivity using selected target regions of full 3D images as feedback in an optimal control loop. We combine the angular recoil distribution and the internal energy of photofragments, in combination with coincidence photoelectron imaging to reveal the mechanisms in optimal control of chemical bond breaking. The projects described in more detail below are fully integrated within the research program of the Laser Centre Vrije Universiteit, a member of LaserLabEurope, the integrated consortium of national laser centres in Europe, and fit within the research activities of the Holland Research School of Molecular Chemistry (HRSMC). The research is externally funded by NWO, CW, FOM, EU, ESF.

More information can be found on the Group Homepage or in the department's latest progress report.