Scott Randall Ellis

As Rich Mathies’ last graduate student, Scott to performs a variety of diverse tasks, including but not limited to laser alignment, non-linear optical development, multidimensional data analysis, systems engineering, ultrafast spectral acquisition, nanocrystal preparation . Scott is currently (08-30-2015) working on two projects. Scott is performing a Raman analysis of an important solid state system which performs a singlet fission. The Raman spectrum reveals unique molecular motion that couples this important electronic process and will pave the way for the rational design of the next generation of highly efficient solar panels.

Scott’s second project is an excited state femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy study of an important chromophore. This chormophore undergoes an excited state proton transfer in ~2 ps which facilitates its efficient internal conversion to the ground state. It has been shown that this proton transfer is modulated by low frequency torsioning about a C=C bond. The goal of the project is to elucidate the multidimensional and phase dependent nature of chemical reactivity using FSRS as an ultrafast probe.