My research group works in the area of molecular reaction dynamics and photochemistry. In the former area we perform crossed molecular beam scattering experiments designed to elucidate the mechanism of gas phase molecular collisions. A particular interest is studying the influence of molecular orientation on the outcome of the scattering process, for which we have shown that quantum interference effects can play an important role. The experiments are interpreted with the help of both quantum and classical scattering calculations.
In the field of photochemistry, we are performing femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe experiments to elucidate the mechanisms of gas phase photochemical processes. We are currently using a combination of Coulomb explosion imaging and 2D / 3D charged particle covariance imaging methods to probe the time-dependent structural changes induced by UV photon absorption. These experiments usually require a quantum description of the molecular dynamics, as well as the electronic structure.
For more information, please see https://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/people/mark-brouard
