Robert Wu Research Professor Office: SHS 260 Phone: (213) 740-6332 FAX: (213) 740-6342
E-Mail: robertwu@usc.edu

Molecular Spectroscopy and Planetary Atmospheric Sciences

Robert Wu is a spectroscopist. His primary research interest is high resolution molecular spectroscopy from the extreme ultraviolet throughout the infrared region - especially as applied to small molecules of theoretical and astrophysical interest. Currently, Dr. Wu's specific interests include the following: (1) studies of atomic and molecular spectroscopy includes study of atomic and molecular structures, photodissociation mechanisms and dynamics involving transitions to superexcited states and multiply charged states; (2) temperature dependent (140 - 900 K) absolute cross section measurements of molecular absorption and fluorescence produced through photoexcitation, photodissociation, and photoionization of molecules; (3) application of laboratory cross section data to studies of planetary atmospheres including identification of atmospheric species and determination of their abundances and mixing ratios; (4) study of photon sputtering and photodesorption of molecular ices and clathrate hydrates to the understanding of mass transfer and evolution in a number of astronomical environments, e.g., comets at large heliocentric distances, asteroids, icy planetary satellites and rings, and in the interstellar medium; and (5) investigation of nonlinear laser spectroscopy of alkali metal vapors and generation of VUV laser frequency.

Publications

Educational Background: Ph.D., University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, 1973

Mailing Address:

Space Sciences Center, SHS 274
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1341