MOLECULAR UNIVERSE

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.

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).