Our focus is to understand weak intermolecular interaction on a fundamental basis. Utilizing several home-built instruments, we are employing different high-resolution spectroscopic techniques to study molecular clusters generated in a pulsed molecular beam expansion:

The group is also involved in the development of a far-infrared beam line at the Canadian Light Source for the study of clusters.

Superfluid helium nanodroplets provide an ultra-cold environment to study novel chemical species. They also afford the opportunity to investigate the phenomenon of superfluidity, a collective bulk property. Our helium droplet instrument allows for measuring microwave and infrared spectra of embedded molecules. We are looking actively for talented and motivated graduate students to do research in this area.

In parallel to the spectroscopic investigations of molecular clusters, we are using high level ab initio calculations to generate intermolecular interaction potential energy surfaces to gain further insight into the interactions. The lab is equipped with two computer clusters running MOLPRO 2006.1, Gaussian 03, and Gamess.

In our Laboratory for Laser Spectroscopy and Atmospheric Sensing we are developing field-useable and space-qualified mid- and near-infrared atmospheric trace gas sensors, in a joint effort with Dr. John Tulip (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta).