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.
