Research Topics
1) INELASTIC COLLISIONS
Based on the combination of steady supersonic jets and state-of-the-art Raman spectroscopy with very high spatial resolution, we study the collisions of small molecules like H2, O2, CO, N2 and H2O and collisions of some of them with H2 and He, at low temperature (form 5 to 50 K) to determine the state-to-state rate coefficients for the rotationally inelastic collisions. These rates are important in Astrophysics for proper modeling the large regions of interstelar medium and planetary atmospheres that are out of thermodynamic equilibrium.
In collaboration with the groups of J. Campos (IFF-CSIC) y J. Cernicharo (ICMM-CSIC).
2) MOLECULAR CLUSTERS
We study the homogeneous condensation of small molecules like H2, D2, CO2, and H2O in supersonic gas jets, to determine the nucleation conditions, growth kinetics, and structure of small clusters (dimers, trimers, etc.). The Raman measurements are complemented by Rayleigh scattering measurements. We also try to observe experimentally the predicted superfluid state in pH2 clusters.
In collaboration with D. Levin (Penn State U.).
3) LIQUID FILAMENTS.
We have studied the crystallization of undercooled liquid microjets of pH2, oD2, and their mixtures, at temperatures between 10 and 20 K. We have measured the crystal growth rates, and the slow-down effect of impurities in the crystallization kinetics of the mixtures. These experiments are extended to H2O filaments to try to observe highly undercooled water in the so called "no-man's land".
In collaboration with group of R. Grisenti (U. Frankfurt).
