Summary: | The first molecular scattering observed using the new Edinburgh electron diffraction apparatus is detailed in this thesis. The new apparatus utilises a phosphor screen/CCD detection system rather than the photographic plates more commonly used in electron diffraction studies. The electron beam is provided by a telefocus electron gun. Two molecular target sources have been investigated: a Campargue-type molecular beam and an effusive needle source. Calibration of the apparatus has been attempted using argon gas. Carbon tetrafluoride, CF<SUB>4</SUB>, has been used as a typical gas-phase molecule and its scattering investigated extensively, while preliminary results for a more complex molecule, 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene, are also reported. Finally, the structure refinement of di-<I>t-</I>butyl(trichlorosilyl)phosphane using data from the existing electron diffraction apparatus is reported.
|