Ionic Physics and Electron Interactions
Our research group focuses on low-energy electron interactions with isolated molecules, aiming to understand the fundamental chemical reactions induced by electrons with energies typically below a 100 eV. These processes play a crucial role in many areas of science, including radiation damage in biological systems, astrochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and nanotechnology. A central goal of our research is to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying such as electron ionization (EI) and dissociative electron attachment (DEA) processes. The former can lead fragmentation pathways with cation formation, and the latter to the formation of temporary negative ions and subsequent molecular fragmentation, revealing fundamental pathways for electron driven chemistry. Our work focuses on molecules of high scientific and technological relevance, including biologically relevant targets, astrochemically important molecules, atmospheric relevant targets, and molecular precursors used in nanotechnology and materials science.
The research group became independent in 2018 and is currently based at CEFITEC – Centre of Physics and Technological Research at the Department of Physics of NOVA University Lisbon.
Laboratory Facilities
The group operates a dedicated experimental laboratory for studying electron molecule collision processes in the gas phase. Our main experimental platform is a crossed electron molecular beam apparatus, specifically designed and assembled within the group.
The setup includes:
- A trochoidal electron monochromator (TEM) capable of producing a highly energy-resolved electron beam (~100 meV resolution).
- A reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) for detecting fragment ions produced during electron-molecule interactions.
This experimental infrastructure enables detailed studies of negative and positive ion formation and fragmentation pathways, providing insight into the fundamental mechanisms governing electron-induced chemistry.
In addition to laboratory experiments, complementary studies are performed in collaboration with international facilities, including synchrotron radiation sources, such as SOLEIL, ELLECTRA, ISA, which allow investigations of photon-induced processes such as excitation, ionization of molecules and coincidence studies.
Team and Training
The group is strongly involved in training young researchers and graduate students in molecular physics, physical chemistry and radiation- nduced chemistry.
Currently, the group includes:
- 1 junior researcher
- 3 PhD students
- 4 master’s students
- 1 undergraduate research students
In addition to the current team, the group has supervised multiple MSc and PhD students, including international joint supervision programs and bilateral PhD “sandwich” schemes with Brazil. Through these activities the group contributes to advanced training in molecular collisions, physical chemistry, radiation physics, and electron driven chemistry, as well as to international doctoral programs in radiation biology and biophysics.
Collaborations
The group maintains strong national and international collaborations with leading institutions working in atomic and molecular physics, radiation science, and chemical physics. Collaborative work within Portugal includes partnerships with research units and departments at NOVA University Lisbon, particularly within the CEFITEC research environment and LAQV, as well as collaborations with researchers in related physics and chemistry laboratories, namely Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon. At the international level, our research benefits from an extensive international network, including collaborations with:
- University of São Paulo (Brazil)
- University of Iceland (Iceland)
- University of Innsbruck (Austria)
- University of Notre Dame (USA)
- University of Siedlce (Poland)
- University of Campinas (Brazil)
- Federal University of Paraná (Brazil)
- Aarhus University / ISA – Center for Storage Ring Facilities (Denmark)
- IMEC research institute (Belgium)
- The Open Univeristy (UK)
- Universidty of Toulouse (France)
These collaborations enable joint experimental campaigns, theoretical studies, student exchanges, and access to specialized research facilities.
