Federal Grant Award Summary

Cornell University's Office of Sponsored Programs received a $524,016 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemistry under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) on August 1, 2026, with a completion date of July 31, 2029. The award funds research to track energy flow and quantum coherence through nonadiabatic transitions using hyperspectral ultrafast optics. The research team will develop and employ a novel multi-color laser architecture to observe molecules as they relax following photon absorption, measuring their rapidly changing absorption spectra on femtosecond timescales. The primary deliverable is fundamental scientific understanding of how molecules transition between excited and ground state potential surfaces at conical intersections, where electron-nuclear coupling produces quantum interference effects that occur on picosecond-to-femtosecond timescales.

Beyond advancing molecular physics knowledge, the research will generate experimental methodologies and instrumentation insights applicable to quantum information science by clarifying factors that affect quantum coherent state persistence in chemical systems. The project will also produce workforce development outcomes through training opportunities for students in sophisticated research instrumentation construction and design, contributing to STEM workforce development in quantum and ultrafast optical technologies.