Dynamical interference in the vibronic bond breaking reaction of HCO.

Han, Shanyu; Zheng, Xianfeng; Ndengué, Steve; Song, Yu; Dawes, Richard; Xie, Daiqian; Zhang, Jingsong; Guo, Hua · Sci Adv · 2019

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

First-principles treatments of quantum molecular reaction dynamics have reached the level of quantitative accuracy even in cases with strong non-Born-Oppenheimer effects. This achievement permits the interpretation of puzzling experimental phenomena related to dynamics governed by multiple coupled potential energy surfaces. We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the photodissociation of formyl radical (HCO). Oscillations observed in the distribution of product states are found to arise from the interference of matter waves-a manifestation analogous to Young's double-slit experiment.