This title covers the state of the art in this field both theoretically and experimentally. With contributions from leading researchers including several Nobel laureates, it represents a long-lasting source of reference on all aspects of fundamental research into or using atomic and molecular beams.

The work presented in this thesis involves a number of sophisticated experiments highlighting novel applications of the Pixel Imaging Mass Spectrometry (PImMS) camera in the field of photoinduced molecular dynamics. This approach represents the union of a new enabling technology (a multiple memory register, CMOS-based pixel detector) with several modern chemical physics approaches and represents a significant leap forward in capabilities. Applications demonstrated include three-dimensional imaging of photofragment Newton spheres, simultaneous electron-ion detection using a single sensor, and ion-ion velocity correlation measurements that open the door to novel covariance imaging experiments. When combined with Coulomb explosion imaging, such an approach is demonstrated to allow the measurement of molecular structure and motion on a femtosecond timescale. This is illustrated through the controlled photoexcitation of torsional motion in biphenyl molecules and the subsequent real-time measurement of the torsional angle.

In view of the rapid growth in both experimental and theoretical studies of multi-photon processes and multi-photon spectroscopy of atoms, ions and molecules in chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, etc., it is desirable to publish an advanced series containing review papers that can be read not only by active researchers in these areas, but also by those who are not experts but who intend to enter the field. The present series attempts to serve this purpose. Each review article is written in a self-contained manner by the experts in the area, so that the reader can grasp the knowledge without too much preparation.

This work studies the relaxation dynamics of molecules in both the gas and liquid phases after strong field ionization, using transient absorption in the soft X-rays. In particular, the thesis presents the first realization of time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the spectral water window with a laser-based HHG source. These remarkable experiments were not only performed for isolated molecules, but also in liquids, for which the spectral coverage of the K-edges of C, N, and O are of primary importance for investigating biological molecules. The technique relies on the generation of high-order harmonics to further probe the electronic structure of molecules. Using the atomic selectivity of high energies and the temporal coherence of laser technology, we demonstrate the observation of the first stages of chemical transformation of matter in the gas and liquid phases.

Research in Chemical Kinetics, Volume 1 focuses on authoritative review articles on a wide range of developing topics in the kinetics of gaseous and condensed phases. The selection first elaborates on gas-phase kinetics of free radicals studied by pulse radiolysis combined with time-resolved infrared diode laser spectroscopy and solid/liquid reactions of environmental significance. Discussions focus on coprecipitation of phosphate with calcite, reactions of silica and quartz, infrared spectroscopy of free radicals, and kinetics of methyl radicals. The book then examines the collision energy dependence of reaction cross sections and photoelectrochemical dynamics, including organometallic photoelectrochemistry and photofragmentation voltammetry, contrasting reactivity of ion radical excited states, photoelectrochemical reaction mechanisms, and experimental methods. The publication tackles collisional electronic energy transfer in CN free radicals, photo-ion imaging techniques and future directions in reactive scattering, and photoelectrochemical dynamics. Topics include photoelectrochemical reaction mechanisms, photoelectrochemical measurement of quantum yields, photofragment translational spectroscopy, and velocity distributions. The selection is a valuable reference for researchers interested in the kinetics of gaseous and condensed phases.

The focus of this excellent textbook is the topic of molecular reaction dynamics. The chapters are all written by internationally recognised researchers and, from the outset, the contributors are writing with the young scientist in mind. The easy to use, stand-alone, chapters make it of value to students, teachers, and researchers alike. Subjects covered range from the more traditional topics, such as potential energy surfaces, to more advanced and rapidly developing areas, such as femtochemistry and coherent control. The coverage of reaction dynamics is very broad, so many students studying chemical physics will find elements of this text interesting and useful. Tutorials in Molecular Reaction Dynamics includes extensive references to more advanced texts and research papers, and a series of 'Study Boxes' help readers grapple with the more difficult concepts. Each chapter is thoroughly cross-referenced, helping the reader to link concepts from different branches of the subject. Worked problems are included, and each chapter concludes with a selection of problems designed to test understanding of the subjects covered. Supplementary reading material, and worked solutions to the problems, are contained on a secure website.

Charged particle imaging has revolutionized experimental studies of photodissociation and bimolecular collisions over the past couple of decades. Written in a tutorial style by some of the key practitioners in the field, this book gives a comprehensive account of the technique and describes many of its applications.

Owing to the advances of vacuum ultraviolet and ultrafast lasers and third generation synchrotron sources, the research on photoionization, photoelectrons, and photodetachment has gained much vitality in recent years. These new light sources, together with ingenious experimental techniques, such as the coincidence imaging, molecular beam, pulsed field ionization photoelectron, mass-analyzed threshold ion, and pulsed field ion pair schemes, have allowed spectroscopic, dynamic, and energetic studies of gaseous species to a new level of detail and accuracy. Profitable applications of these methods to liquids are emerging.This invaluable two-volume review consists of twenty-two chapters, focusing on recent developments in photoionization and photodetachment studies of atoms; molecules, transient species, clusters, and liquids.