Right: Interior of ultrahigh vacuum chamber for low temperature photochemistry experiments. The KBr sample window is illuminated by a red laser spot, used to determine the thickness of sample films.
Our laboratory focuses on experimental studies of chemical processes that occur on icy moons of the outer Solar System, primarily utilizing infrared, Raman and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy to probe small molecule ices. Current projects include studies of far ultraviolet photochemistry in ices, and the freezing and radiation chemistry of Europan ocean solutions. The lab also studies chemistry on Titan's organic surface and in its liquid hydrocarbon lakes, including dissolution, precipitation, and low temperature thermal reactions.