Microwave Spectroscopy of Fluorinated Organic Compounds and Actinide Containing Molecules

<p>Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy is a powerful technique that can be used to study numerous types of molecules. By determining rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants, and many other spectroscopic constants specific to different molecules, we can determine bond lengths, bond angles, and structures of molecules. This dissertation is a compilation of work completed in the past six years.</p> <p>Many of the molecules studied have been fluorinated hydrocarbons of atmospheric and molecular interest. Fluorine is a unique atom. It is has proved that it is not predictable and has created a number of interesting spectroscopic studies which have been presented in detail in this dissertation. Forbidden transitions, Coriolis coupling, ring-puckering, and long fluorinated alkane chains having a helical nature are just a few of the things encountered.</p> <p>This dissertation also contains finished and unfinished work on actinide containing molecules: thorium and uranium. The actinide projects are of interest to the Department of Energy and the<em> f</em>-electron challenge. Due to the complicated nature of the actinides, much of this work is unfinished. The last chapter provides an overview of this, current line listing for both thorium and uranium containing molecules, and ideas for how to continue the projects.</p> <p>An in-depth look at the chirp pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer is also included. Appendix A is a how-to manual for how the instrument operates either by hand or through an automation program. A guide for the Nd:YAG laser and ways to troubleshoot the instrument are also presented.</p>