Developing Tools for Studying Cold and Controlled Chemical Reaction Dynamics

Reactions at low temperatures are of significant importance in both fundamental chemistry and the interstellar medium. Quantum effects are more prevalent at cold temperatures, which significantly influence the chemistry and challenge the current model. To address these reactions experimentally, tools are required to lower the reaction temperature as well as control the translational and internal energies of reactants. Recently, we have set up a crossed molecular beam apparatus for studying cold reactions and found quantum-tunneling enhanced reactivity in the reaction of fluorine with para-hydrogen at temperatures down to 10K. In addition, we have developed a new platform for cold ion-molecule chemistry by combining tools from physics, which are cryogenic buffer gas cooling, laser-cooled ion sympathetic cooling, and integrated Time-of-Flight (TOF) mass spectrometer in an RF Paul trap. In this talk, I will discuss our most recent results on cold beryllium/carbon ions’ chemistry and the F+H₂ reaction at low temperatures.