SPECTROSCOPY AND REACTIVE DYNAMICS OF ATOMS TRAPPED IN MOLECULAR-HYDROGEN MATRICES

Solid molecular hydrogens (SMH, i.e. H-2 and its isotopomers) are fascinating host matrices for investigations of condensed phase photophysics and reactive dynamics. Spectroscopic studies in SMH matrices should elucidate the roles of quantum effects on the structure, energetics, and dynamics of guest/host systems. Reactive dynamics studies involving atomic guests provide opportunities to interrogate some of the most fundamental prototypical chemical reactions; the cryogenic solid environment emphasizing even subtle features of the relevant potential energy surfaces, as well as the influence of many-body interactions. We present a summary of previous and ongoing research into impurity atom (H, Li, B, C, N, O, Mg, Al) doped SMH, including our own new data supporting the trapping of Al, B, N, and O atoms. We develop our discussion in the context of a practical application of this research, and hope that ultimately such studies will lead to improvements in energy storage and rocket propulsion technologies.