VUV photoionization and photofragmentation of large molecules and clusters: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fullerenes and peptides Final science report

The photoionization and photofragmentation of large molecular species is currently a topic of intense research activity. Whereas mass spectrometry has been very successful in its analytical applications for large species such as peptides and proteins, the understanding of the physical chemistry of the processes is still lacking. In the present research effort we have concentrated on three classes of molecules: 1. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (see reprints 1-7 from the list of publications); 2. Fullerenes (see reprints 5, 8-12) and 3. A small peptide (reprint 13). PAHs are important in interstellar chemistry and in combustion. Fullerenes are a third allotropic form of carbon with unusual chemical and technological properties. The chemistry of peptide radical cations is unique and deserves further study. All of the large molecules offer new and exciting opportunities. (orig.)Available from TIB Hannover: F00B230 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEGerman-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development (GIF), Oberschleissheim (Germany)DEGerman