Methods:

Cavity enhanced absorption methods in the gas phase

Luminescence Excitation (organic molecular crystals)

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) by means of metallic nano structures – planned

Projects (applications):• Trace gas detection – atmospheric, environmental

physics• Weak forbidden transitions – basic research aspects• Diffuse interstellar bands – astronomical problem• Systems with complex dynamical behaviour (theory…)

Joint Research Group A.A. Ruth / M.W.D. Mansfield

Molecular Laser Spectroscopy

(Gas phase: supersonic jets, flow or static cells)

Methods:

Z-scan method applied to thin films or solutions

Laser ablation of noble metals and alloys in liquids

Coherent phase control of molecular emissions – planned

Projects (applications):

• New materials (Porphyrins and metal nanoparticles – colloids)

• Production and characterization of metal and alloy nanoparticles – formation of nano-wires, investigations into catalytic activities (fuel cell)

• Theoretical background knowledge and computational aspects (practical and theoretical) required for all areas.

Joint Research Group A.A. Ruth / M.W.D. Mansfield

Nonlinear Optical Research(solid, liquid and gas phase – nano structures)

Collaborations and Strong Links:Internal: Prof. D. Nikogosyan (Physics); Prof. J. Sodeau and Prof. D. Burke (Chemistry).

External: TU Berlin and MPI Göttingen, Germany; FORTH, Heraklion, Greece, University of Paris-Sud, France.

Joint Research Group A.A. Ruth / M.W.D. Mansfield

Labs: Lab 116, dry dark room, G21A

Equipment: (only major items)

Lasers: 2 independent excimer pumped dye lasers, 2 Nd:YAG lasers, 3 diode lasers, 1 Ar+-laser; future 1 new Nd:YAG pumped dye laser.

Absorption spectrometer, Double monochromators, several vacuum chambers and jet-setups, 3 wavemeters, several digital oscilloscopes counters and detectors, arc and hollow cathode lamps etc.

Plenty of electronics and computers, various optics and vacuum equipment, 2 low temperature cryostats and other devices

Joint Research Group A.A. Ruth / M.W.D. Mansfield

Skills:Required• Good background knowledge in lasers, spectroscopy, atomic and molecular physics• High level of motivation and interest - diligence

Teaching and training benefits (dependent on project):• Training in optics and laser techniques – practical experiences in laser applications• Vacuum technology and gas handling• Development of home-made set-ups, particularly computer interfacing of electronic devices (programming)• Moderate level of theory and computational methods• Preparatory methods of material systems (strongly dependent on project)• Skills on publication and write-up of results – conference contributions• Visits to foreign laboratories - exchange programmes(• German)

Contact: Andy Ruth, Office G16 (Science Building),

Tel: 490-2439, E-mail: a.ruth@ucc.ieInternet: http://phys27.ucc.ie/