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Mitchio Okumura

Research Summary
Laser Spectroscopy, Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics; Atmospheric Chemistry
Profile

Assistant: Elisha Jung Okawa

The Okumura Group is interested in the application of laser spectroscopy and reaction dynamics to problems in atmospheric chemistry and climate change. We study atmospheric free radicals and transient intermediates in order to understand the reactions and photochemistry that are most important in the troposphere and stratosphere, as well as in planetary atmospheres such as those of Mars and Titan. Our goal is both to determine parameters of key reactions and species in the atmosphere, and to understand the chemical physics of these processes at the most fundamental level. To achieve high sensitivities required for these experiments, we develop and apply state-of-the-art methods such as cavity-enhanced spectroscopy, frequency comb lasers, and VUV mass spectrometry using synchrotron radiation. We also apply high resolution spectroscopy for measuring spectroscopic parameters needed for the latest generation of CO2 satellites. Our group has extensive collaborations with scientists at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

  • Laser spectroscopy of reactive intermediates
  • Development of methods in cavity-enhanced, cavity-ringdown and frequency comb laser spectroscopy
  • Reaction rates, mechanisms and dynamics of free radicals, clusters, and transient species
  • Chemistry of peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals
  • Photochemistry and photodissociation dynamics
  • Nonadiabatic effects and multiple surfaces in radical reactions
  • Kinetic isotope effects; clumped isotopes
  • High precision spectroscopy with applications in remote sensing of greenhouse gases such as NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2) mission


Publications

For a complete publications list, see feeds.library.caltech.edu
2022-23
Ch 135. Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Molecules. 9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc and Ch 41 abc, and Ch 125 a or equivalent, or instructor's permission. Physical description of the structure, spectra and dynamics of molecules. Topics include: time-dependent quantum mechanics, molecular structure, coherence, path integral formalism, scattering cross sections, rate constants, intermolecular potentials, classical two-body elastic scattering, reactive scattering, nonadiabatic processes, statistical theories of unimolecular reactions, photochemistry, laser and molecular beam methods, theory of electron transfer, solvent effects, condensed phase dynamics, surface reactions, isotope effects.
Instructor: Okumura
Ch 21 abc. Physical Chemistry. 9 units (3-0-6); first, second, third terms, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ch 1 ab, Ph 2 a or Ph 12 a, Ma 2; Ma 3 is recommended. (Ph 2 a or 12 a and Ma 2 can be taken concurrently.). Atomic and molecular quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical dynamics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Instructors: Okumura (a), Wei (b), Staff (c)
2019-20
Ch 135. Chemical Dynamics. 9 units (3-0-6); third term, 2019-20. Prerequisites: Ch 21 abc and Ch 41 abc, or equivalent, or instructor's permission. Introduction to the kinetics and dynamics of chemical reactions. Topics include scattering cross sections, rate constants, intermolecular potentials, classical two-body elastic scattering, reactive scattering, nonadiabatic processes, statistical theories of unimolecular reactions, photochemistry, laser and molecular beam methods, theory of electron transfer, solvent effects, condensed phase dynamics, surface reactions, isotope effects. Not offered 2019-20.
Instructor: Okumura
Ch 6 ab. Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory. 9 units (1-5-3); second, third terms, 2019-20. Prerequisites: Ch 1, Ch 4 ab, and Ch 21 or equivalents (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to modern physical methods in chemistry and biology. Techniques include laser spectroscopy, microwave spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, FT-IR, fluorescence, scanning probe microscopies, and UHV surface methods. The two terms can be taken in any order. Part b not offered 2019-20.
Instructor: Okumura
Ch 82. Senior Thesis Research. 9 units; first, second, third terms, 2019-20. Prerequisites: Instructor's permission. Three terms of Ch 82 are to be completed during the junior and/or senior year of study. At the end of the third term, students enrolled in Ch 82 will present a thesis of approximately 20 pages (excluding figures and references) to the mentor and the Chemistry Curriculum and Undergraduate Studies Committee. The thesis must be approved by both the research mentor and the CUSC. An oral thesis defense will be arranged by the CUSC in the third term for all enrollees. The first two terms of Ch 82 will be taken on a pass/fail basis, and the third term will carry a letter grade.
Instructors: Okumura, staff