Understanding the structure and dynamics of molecules is a central mission of molecular science. The most detailed understanding - particularly that at the quantum mechanical level - often comes from studies of isolated molecules in the gas-phase. In the fields of gas-phase molecular spectroscopy and reaction dynamics, advances in our understanding of structural and dynamical details are in lock step with developments in techniques to control molecules and their interactions in the laboratory. Since the pioneering crossed molecular beam experiments of Hersbach and Lee, remarkable progress has been made in achieving increasingly finer control over both the internal quantum states (e.g., vibration, rotation, hyperfine, etc.) and the translational motion of molecules. Contributions to this progress come from both the continued refinement of the molecular beam technique, as well as the more recent developments in the field of ultracold molecules. Using molecules in well-defined quantum states and nearly at rest, experiments have achieved 10 (-14) level frequency accuracy in vibrational spectroscopy, and single quantum state resolution of both reactants and products in a bimolecular reaction.
To fully understand the results (e.g., spectrum, state-to-state reaction cross sections) from these detailed experiments, however, requires commensurate developments in theory - both electronic structures and nuclear dynamics. The electronic structure calculations yield the necessary interaction potentials on which the nuclear motions evolve. Because of the sensitivity of collisional outcome to minute details of the interaction potential ab initio quantum chemistry calculations are also put to high levels of scrutiny even for simple systems involving 3 and 4 atoms. Nuclear dynamics is equally challenging due to the large de Broglie wavelengths involved in cold collisions and the need to include the effect of external trapping fields. Recent studies have also revealed the importance of coupling to excited electronic states that are accessible in cold collisions involving alkali metal dimers - workhorse molecules for quantum science applications. Such non-adiabatic effects can lead to new quantum interference mechanisms that can enhance or suppress reaction outcomes, essentially acting as a quantum switch for chemical reactivity.
The proposed workshop aims to bring together an international group of researchers, both theorists and experimentalists, from the fields of molecular spectroscopy and reaction dynamics, to discuss the latest developments in the emerging field of cold molecules and cold chemistry, and to chart its course for the next ten years.
We wish to ensure an intimate workshop setting, with no more than 20 to 25 participants. If you are interested in attending, but have not received an invitation, please contact the workshop organizer before registering.
Telluride Science is about expanding the frontiers of science, exploring new ideas, and building collaborations. The workshop schedule will allow for substantial unstructured time for participants to talk and think. All participants are expected to stay for the entire duration of the workshop. Scientists are encouraged to consider bringing family or friends. Telluride offers a number of options for children's camps (including Telluride Academy, Aha School for the Arts, and Pinhead Institute). There is more information on childcare, camps, and family activities on Telluride Science's website. Feel free to contact Telluride Science's staff to help with any planning and/or coordinating care.
Telluride Science & Innovation Center
300 S. Townsend St.
Telluride CO 81435
Click Here for Directions
Workshop Price: $ 449.00
Early Bird Lodging Discount Available Until: 01/15/2025
A $100.00 discount is applied to your lodging cost when you register before 01/15/2025.
Cancellation Policy: Once a credit card has been charged, cancelled registrations will be subject to a cancellation fee. Registration fees will be automatically processed once registration is complete. A $25 cancellation fee will be retained from a registration refund. Lodging fee payments will be processed 60 days prior to arrival, and a $100 cancellation fee will apply if cancellations occur after a lodging fee payment is completed. Telluride Science can only guarantee a refund for the remaining lodging fees if requested prior to the cancellation deadline that is specific to each lodging provider. Telluride Science recommends that participants purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen, last-minute travel plan changes.