Atomic and Molecular Physics

Ionization is a fundamental collision process that plays an extremely important role in astrophysics, atmospheric physics, plasma physics and radiobiology. The Atomic and Molecular Physics group undertakes experimental studies of ionization using electrons and positrons. The electron impact ionization studies are performed using apparatus located at the University of Adelaide, while the positron impact ionization experiments are performed using the slow positron beam located at the Australian National University.

The group’s research underpins the activities of the University of Adelaide Node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies.

Current projects include studies using positrons and electrons to explore the impact ionization process on benchmark atomic and molecular targets like helium, argon, neon, molecular hydrogen and molecular nitrogen; a high precision investigation of the near-threshold region single and double ionization by positrons of helium; electron impact ionization of molecules of technological relevance such as C60; studies of electron and positron ionization of biomolecules, and development of the world’s first positron reaction microscope.

Honours Support

Nodes in the Centre for Antimatter-Matter Studies may offer financial support for Honours research programs. Funding is at the discretion of the Node Director, and subject to the regulations of the Node Institution. Where offered, scholarships may be up to $5000. For further information please contact Professor Birgit Lohmann.

Staff and students

• Professor Birgit Lohmann (Head of Group and Node Manager, CAMS)
• Dr. Mark Stevenson (Research Fellow)
• Dr. Leigh Hargreaves (Research Fellow)
• Mr. Chris Colyer (Ph. D. student)