We present a new experimental scheme combining chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy with a pulsed uniform supersonic flow from a Laval nozzle.Chirped-pulse FTMW spectroscopy has revolutionized broadband rotational spectroscopy with vastly reduced acquisition times, with further sensitivity possible when more molecules can interact with the microwave field. A Laval nozzle produces a uniform supersonic flow, containing thermalized reactants at a high density and low internal temperature. It thus provides the ideal complement to the CP-FTMW technique for studying chemical reactions.This combination promises a method of near universal application that quantitatively detects nascent product isomers and conformers with vibrational level specificity. This will be suitable for a wide range of applications in reaction dynamics studies, including combustion-, atmospheric-, and astrochemistry.Characterization of the new set-up is presented, discussing design considerations and gas dynamics of the pulsed flow system, and preliminary results of the chirped-pulse system in this new regime.

Probing reaction dynamics with chirped pulse microwave spectroscopy and pulsed uniform supersonic flows

245th National Meeting (2013)

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