Swarthmore College Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Thomas A. Stephenson
James Hammons Professor, Physical Chemistry
Education:
B.S., Furman University
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University
Contact information:
Science Center 186
Telephone: (610) 328-8561
FAX: (610) 328-7355
Electronic mail: tstephe1@swarthmore.edu
Mailing address: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College,
500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081- 1397
In my laboratory, we examine the photochemistry and photophysics of small molecules using techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence and supersonic free jet expansions. Our current focus is on the electronic energy transfer that occurs when electronically excited diatomic halogens collide with inert species such as He, Ar and Xe. Our longterm goal is to contribute to the development of propensity relationships that will allow one to predict, qualitatively, the outcome of collision-induced energy transfer events in systems outside the laboratory, such as atmospheric or combustion environments.
My teaching responsibilities typically include some combination of Physical Chemistry (Chemistry 34, 45A, 45B) and General Chemistry (Chemistry 10 and 10H), as well as an advanced seminar in Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (Chemistry 105).