Expertise in Research and Complementarity
The Bordeaux group which combines experimental and theoretical
expertises is a leading European group in the field of molecular
reaction dynamics. The group is part of a large (90 members)
physical-chemistry laboratory: led by Professor J.C. Rayez: the
Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie Moléculaire (LPCM) the principal
theme of research of which is reactivity in elementary chemical
processes with chemistry related to astrophysics as a major
subdiscipline. The group has been a participant to the TMR network
``Astrophysical Chemistry'' in the FP4 programme (M. Costes, scientist
in charge). The group has also interactions with the other French
participants to the ``Physique et Chimie du Milieu Interstellaire''
national programme directed by Meudon and Orsay. The experimentalists
will employ two methodologies. Firstly, crossed molecular beam reactive
scattering experiments will make use of the unique machine able to
collide neutral species at relative translational energies relevant to
the physical conditions of interstellar clouds (down to 0.4 kJ/mol
equivalent to a temperature of 30 K). Integral and state-to-state cross
sections obtained with this all-pulsed experiment are of particular
interest for comparison with differential cross sections obtained with
the Perugia continuous crossed beam machine and the low temperature
rate coefficients measured at Rennes. Secondly, fast flow reactors
will allow rate coefficients and branching branching ratios to be
determined for direct comparison with Rennes results. The theoreticians
will concentrate on quantum scattering calculations to obtain inelastic
cross sections and rate coefficients in collaboration with Meudon or
reactive cross sections and rate coefficients in relation with studies
performed at Rennes.
Expertise in Training and Knowledge Transfer
The LPCM has a long standing experience in training of young European
researchers: the laboratory is a Marie Curie Training Site for European
PhD students in the IHP FP5 programme, it was also Host Institution in
the HCM FP3 programme. The postdoctoral fellow (PDF) will get deep
understanding in experimental research that is particularly demanding
through training and transfer of expertise with experienced team
members. He will benefit of the strong theoretical support available at
the LPCM and will gain a broader understanding of basic science by
attending the weekly research seminars organised by the LPCM and the
chemistry department. He will be trained in presentation and management
skills. The group had four PhD students (4 M, all graduated) and one
PDF (1 M) in the last four years.
Involvement of Key Scientific Staff.
Name | Position | M/F | Expertise |
M.Costes | CNRS Directeur de Recherche | M | reaction dynamics, experiment |
C. Naulin | Professeur | M | Reaction dynamics, experiment |
J.C. Rayez | Professeur | M | Reaction dynamics, theory |
J.C. Loison | CNRS Chargé de Recherche | M | Reaction dynamics, experiment |
Stoecklin | CNRS Chargé de Recherche | M | Reaction dynamics, theory |
A. Bergeat | Maître de Conférences | F | Reaction dynamics, experiment |
N. Daugey | CNRS Ingénieur de Recherche | M | lasers and computing |
Significant References 1. A comparative study of the
reactivity of the silicon atom Si(P)
towards the O and NO molecule at very low temperature.
S.D. Le Picard, A Canosa, D. Reignier, T. Stoecklin Phys. Chem. Chem.
Phys., 4, 3659-3664 (2002).
2. Rate coefficients and cross-sections for the reactions of C(P) atoms with methylacetylene and allene. D.
Chastaing, S.D. Le Picard, I.R. Sims, I.W.M. Smith, W. D. Geppert, C.
Naulin, M. Costes, Chem. Phys. Lett., 331, 170-176 (2000).