Research Summary
I use resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy to learn about the electronic structure, bond lengths, vibrational frequencies, and bond strengths of small metal-containing molecules. Most recently, our group has focused on precise and accurate bond dissociation energy measurements. We are currently constructing a cryo-cooled ion photodissociation spectrometer to conduct similar spectroscopic measurements on mass-selected d- and f-block molecules.
Education
- B.S., Chemistry, with high honors, Haverford College
- Ph.D., Physical Chemistry, University of Chicago
- Postdoctoral Research, Physical Chemistry, University of Chicago
- Postdoctoral Research, Physical Chemistry, Rice University
Biography
Michael Morse is interested in the electronic structure and spectroscopy of small molecules, typically containing transition metals, lanthanides, or actinides, which are studied using laser spectroscopy. He is also interested in the electronic and geometrical structure of small semimetal clusters, including those formed from boron and silicon.
Born in West Virginia, he moved to western Pennsylvania at the age of 5. He attended Haverford College, outside of Philadelphia, for his B.S. degree, then went to the University of Chicago for his Ph.D. After a period of postdoctoral research with Richard E. Smalley at Rice University, he moved to Utah as an Assistant Professor in 1985.