The 2009 Gordon Conference on the Physics and Chemistry of Matrix Isolated Species is the latest in a series of bi-annual conferences starting in 1973 and alternating between Europe and the US. The 1983 US conference marked the first time that the meeting was organized under the auspices of Gordon Research Conferences. The 2009 conference marks another new development as this is the first time that the European conference has been organized as a Gordon Research Conference.
During the 55 year history of rare gas matrix isolation, the enduring feature has been the ability to synthesize and characterize chemical entities that are not accessible by other routes. This has provided huge insight into chemical structure, bonding and reactivity over great swathes of the periodic table. The conference will reflect this core activity with sessions covering the synthesis and characterization of a range of organic, main group and transition metal species. The application of matrices to astrophysics, astrochemistry, astrobiology and interstellar spectroscopy will also be covered. Understanding the fundamental physics of matrix processes has always been important, and this will be a continuing feature of the conference. The application of computational techniques has greatly increased the robustness of spectral assignments and understanding of the processes occurring, and this important area will also feature. In addition to these "core” areas there will also be a number of talks with the aim of stimulating discussion about where the future of matrix isolation lies.
During the 55 year history of rare gas matrix isolation, the enduring feature has been the ability to synthesize and characterize chemical entities that are not accessible by other routes. This has provided huge insight into chemical structure, bonding and reactivity over great swathes of the periodic table. The conference will reflect this core activity with sessions covering the synthesis and characterization of a range of organic, main group and transition metal species. The application of matrices to astrophysics, astrochemistry, astrobiology and interstellar spectroscopy will also be covered. Understanding the fundamental physics of matrix processes has always been important, and this will be a continuing feature of the conference. The application of computational techniques has greatly increased the robustness of spectral assignments and understanding of the processes occurring, and this important area will also feature. In addition to these "core” areas there will also be a number of talks with the aim of stimulating discussion about where the future of matrix isolation lies.
