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| Molecular and Electron Collision Scattering | |
When atoms, molecules, ions and electrons collide at
relatively high energies, electrons can be transferred from one
particle to another, removed to make ions or excited to
eventually result in the emission of light. Very low-energy
collisions between such species result in chemical changes and
the combination of the colliding species.
During the 1960s,
Georgia Tech was well-known for development
of unique and innovative experimental systems in atomic
collisions, initiated by the late Dr. Earl W. McDaniel of the
Engineering Experiment Station
(now Georgia Tech Research Institute, GTRI).
McDaniel later became a professor in electrical
engineering and physics.
Among the notable projects was the first development of the
drift tube mass spectrometer used to study low-energy chemical
reaction with defined species. Another highlight was the first
series of U.S.-based experiments to study collisions between
beams of electrons and ions. In the late 1960s, the program added
a theoretical component to provide prediction and fundamental
understanding of atomic collisions.
Much of the early work was to provide data for support of the
Controlled Thermonuclear Reactor at Oak Ridge, Tenn. High-energy
beam studies performed by Drs. David Martin and Ed Thomas of the
School of Physics fostered development of neutral beam injectors
to heat and fuel such reactors.
The electron-ion collision
experiments by Dr. John Hooper of the School of Electrical and
Computer Engineering and theoretical predictions by Dr. Ray
Flannery of the School of Physics helped provide an understanding
of the cooling processes in such devices.
Also, McDaniel's data on low-energy chemical reaction
processes furthered the understanding of atmospheric chemistry,
in particular the creation and destruction of ozone. And
Flannery's theoretical calculations were used to model
atmospheres of stars, such as our sun.
The researchers at Tech are well known for the production of
scholarly reviews and data tabulations, which are widely used in
technological fields and basic research programs. The programs
initiated by McDaniel continue with several research groups at
Tech.
Courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory
In the 1960s, Georgia Tech researchers developed a series of
innovative experimental systems in atomic collisions. The early
work supported the mission of the Controlled Thermonuclear
Reactor at Oak Ridge, Tenn. High-energy beam studies fostered
development of Oak Ridge neutral beam injectors (shown here in a
1961 photo) to heat and fuel such reactors.
For more information, contact Dr. Raymond Flannery, School of Physics,
Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA 30332-0430. (Telephone: 404-894-5263) (E-mail:
ray.flannery@physics.gatech.edu)
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