Probing Electron Dynamics in the Molecular Frame

The physical and chemical properties of matter are determined by the correlated motion of electrons. Collision studies involving the interaction of isolated atoms or molecules with charged particles provide an ideal means to test this quantum-mechanical many-body behaviour which is central to our understanding of matter. By developing advanced experimental techniques to investigate in detail mechanisms of electron-impact-induced molecular excitation and fragmentation dynamics in the molecular frame, new insight into the mechanisms of molecular fragmentation and the electronic structure of molecules will be obtained. The resulting benchmark data which is vital to the development of theory will enhance its predictive power.