| Avacancy exists for a PhD student to carry out research in the Atomicand Molecular Physics group at the Department of Physics, University ofTrento (Italy) under the supervision of Dr. Daniela Ascenzi and Prof.Paolo Tosi.
RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The chemistry of non-equilibriumgaseous systems is dominated by collisions among atoms and molecules,ions and radicals. The objective of the proposed experimental researchproject is to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms operative inreactive gaseous systems, with particular reference to plasma processesfor laboratory and industrial applications, and to the modelling ofplanetary ionospheres.
We are particularly interested in the ionchemistry of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) innitrogen/oxygen atmospheres.
The plasma environment can efficientlysupply the energy needed to promote endothermic processes and it iscurrently explored for hydrocarbon reforming and hydrogen generation,for cleaning of biomass-derived fuel gas from PAH and for the removalof pollutants and toxic compounds from ambient air.
An example ofcurrent interest in the field of planetary ionosphere is given by therecent discovery of benzene in the upper atmosphere of Titan by theCassini probe. Ion-molecule processes play a relevant role in thereaction mechanisms that can be proposed to model the chemistryoccurring within such complex systems. The research project will dealwith the investigation of elementary processes involving molecular ionsunder controlled collision conditions. Ion-molecule reactive crosssections will be measured as a function of the collision energy in ahome-built tandem mass spectrometer apparatus equipped with an RFoctopole scattering cell with electrodynamic confinement of ionicreagents.
Part of the project will also involve the developmentof a laser based infrared spectroscopy detection scheme for thediagnostics of reactive species generated within dielectric and coronadischarge plasma systems developed in our laboratory.
For ourrelevant work in the field see the following publications: J. Chem.Phys. 121 6728 (2004); J. Chem. Phys. 119 8366 (2003).
POSITION
Theposition is available from September 2005. The PhD student to beappointed should have a relevant background in chemistry or physics.
Specificexperimental experience with ultra-high vacuum technology, massspectrometric techniques or laser spectroscopy is desirable.
APPLICATIONS
Interestedcandidates should send their CV with the names of at least two refereeswho can write about their academic achievements, along with a coverletter with their motivation to the contact person below.
CONTACT
Further information can be obtained from:
Dr. Daniela Ascenzi
Dipartimento di Fisica
Via Sommarie 14, 38050 Povo (TN), Italy
Phone: 0039 0461 88 1641
fax: 0039 0461 88 1696
e-mail: ascenzi@science.unitn.it
webpage: http://www.science.unitn.it/labfm/index.htm
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