Theory of the decay of molecular superexcited states

The decay processes of the superexcited state of a diatomic molecule are investigated theoretically. A general formula for the branching ratio for preionization and predissociation is derived using partitioning of the Green function. The predissociation and preionization probabilities per unit time are obtained in perturbation theory, employing the semiclassical theory and the local complex potential method based on the adiabatic vertical transition approximation for preionization. Some new features in the predissociation probability expression obtained are discussed. It is 0shown that the vibrational distribution of the molecular ions produced could be very different not only from that for the direct ionization transition, but also from that for the transition from an autoionizing state which does not couple to a dissociative state.     

Imaging study of vibrational predissociation of the HCl-acetylene dimer: pair-correlated distributions

The state-to-state predissociation dynamics of the HCl-acetylene dimer were studied following excitation in the asymmetric C-H (asym-CH) stretch and the HCl stretch. Velocity map imaging (VMI) and resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) were used to determine pair-correlated product energy distributions. Different vibrational predissociation mechanisms were observed for the two excited vibrational levels. Following excitation in the of the asym-CH stretch fundamental, HCl fragments in upsilon = 0 and j = 4-7 were observed and no HCl in upsilon = 1 was detected. The fragments' center-of-mass (c.m.) translational energy distributions were derived from images of HCl (j = 4-7), and were converted to rotational state distributions of the acetylene co-fragment by assuming that acetylene is generated with one quantum of C-C stretch (nu(2)) excitation. The acetylene pair-correlated rotational state distributions agree with the predictions of the statistical phase space theory, restricted to acetylene fragments in 1nu(2). It is concluded that the predissociation mechanism is dominated by the initial coupling of the asym-CH vibration to a combination of C-C stretch and bending modes in the acetylene moiety. Vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) between acetylene bending and the intermolecular dimer modes leads to predissociation that preserves the C-C stretch excitation in the acetylene product while distributing the rest of the available energy statistically. The predissociation mechanism following excitation in the Q band of the dimer's HCl stretch fundamental was quite different. HCl (upsilon = 0) rotational states up to j = 8 were observed. The rovibrational state distributions in the acetylene co-fragment derived from HCl (j = 6-8) images were non-statistical with one or two quanta in acetylene bending vibrational excitation. From the observation that all the HCl(j) translational energy distributions were similar, it is proposed that there exists a constraint on conversion of linear to angular momentum during predissociation. A dimer dissociation energy of D(0) = 700 +/- 10 cm(-1) was derived.     

Theory of Vibrational Predissociation Spectroscopy

A theory of vibrational predissociation spectroscopy is developed based on the adiabatic approximation that separates the oscillations of the high frequency vibron and low frequency phonon. We find that some properties such as dissociation energy and the number of phonon modes have significant influence on the temperature dependent spectra. Thus a comparison between the present theory and experiment would be a useful approach in determining these properties.     

Infrared predissociation of ternary cluster cations: the solvent effects on the branching ratio

Infrared (IR) predissociation of hydrogen-bonded ternary cluster ions such as aniline-water-ethanol (AWE(+)), aniline-water-isopropanol (AWP(+)), aniline-methanol-ethanol (AME(+)), aniline-water-pyrrole (AWPy(+)), and aniline-water-benzene (AWB(+)) was examined in the region of 2700-4000 cm(-1) to explore the key factors which determine the branching ratios in the concurrent unimolecular dissociation. The smaller solvent molecule was predominantly ejected when the binding energies of the two were not too different. On the other hand, when they were far off, the binding energy also acted significantly on the branching ratio. Besides, mode-selective IR predissociation was observed, while the selectivity was not quite distinct. The IR predissociation of ternary cluster ions bound via hydrogen bonding is considered to occur on a time scale much faster than intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution, which was proved by a statistical transition state theory.     

Potential surface crossings for diatomic molecules

We study the nonradiative processes in diatomic molecules produced by a potential surface crossing in terms of a generalized optical potential containing an absorptive and a resonant part. The theory is applicable to inelastic atomic scattering, predissociation, accidental predissociation and collisionally induced dissociation. The coupling term between the electronic surfaces (in the diabatic representation) is evaluated semiclassically in terms of the “inelastic action” s. While the Landau–Zener formula is obtained from a linearized function of s, a more realistic form is proposed as a rational fraction in s.     

Predissociation and autoionization of triplet Rydberg states in molecular hydrogen

We present single-photon spectroscopy in molecular hydrogen starting from the metastable c3Piu- state to a number of triplet nd-Rydberg states (v = 0 - 4, n = 12 - 20). Using fast beam spectroscopy both the autoionization channel and the predissociation channel are quantified, field free, as well as with small electric fields. Coupling with the i3Pig state is assumed to be responsible for field-free predissociation of the v = 0 Rydberg levels. The stronger observed predissociation channel of the v = 1 Rydberg levels is due to the nonadiabatic interaction with the h3Sigmag+ state in combination with l mixing due to an external electric field. No direct evidence is found for possible electric field induced predissociation of the gerade Rydberg states by low lying ungerade states. The competition between autoionization and predissociation is discussed in terms of possible consequences for dissociative recombination involving low energy electron collisions with the H2+ molecular ion.     

Extended virial theorem applied to predissociation phenomena. Interpretation of the nearly degenerate G1Π ∼ I 1Π energy spectra in SiO

The extended virial theorem, obtained from a Fourier–Laplace transformation of equations of motion, is applied to the phenomenon of predissociation. The underlying resonance energy model rigorously defined by means of the theory of dilation analytic operators prescribes in detail the balance between the various energy contributions in a way analogous to the situation prevailing in a stationary system. The extended virial theorem is applied to predissociation, particularly in connection with the interpretation of the nearly degenerate G ¹Π ～? I ¹Π energy spectrum in SiO. It was previously found for the rovibronic spectra assigned to G ¹Π – X ¹Σ⁺ and I¹Π – X¹ Σ⁺, that every G – X band is accompanied by a I – X band. Whereas the I ¹Π state does not seem to undergo predissociation, the G state shows increasing predissociation with increasing vibrational quantum number. We show that the virial theorem generalized to include continuum phenomena offers an interpretation of the nearly degenerate spectra of SiO as well as of the concomitant isotope shift of SiO¹⁶ and SiO¹⁸ with respect to both resonance positions and widths.     

Analytic and numerical approach to multidimensional predissociation and resonance Raman scattering

Scattering theory is used to show that resonance Raman scattering and predissociation probabilities for multidimensional systems can be obtained from numerical solutions of the appropriate scattering coupled equations. Analytic results are presented for two-dimensional systems in terms of Airy functions. These analytic results are used to verify the coupled equations approach. An example is presented for the resonant photon scattering by an electronic state with one bound and one dissociative mode.     

Vibrational state-dependent predissociation dynamics of ClO (A (2)Pi(3/2)): Insight from correlated fine structure branching ratios

We have studied the v'-dependent predissociation dynamics of the ClO A (2)Pi(3/2) state using velocity-map ion-imaging. Experimental final correlated state branching ratios, i.e. Cl((2)P(J=3/2,1/2)) + O((3)P(J=2,1,0)) channels, have been measured for v' = 6-11. We find that the branching ratios are highly variable and depend strongly on v', providing a window into the v'-dependent predissociation mechanism. A comparison of the experimental results with the recent model of Lane et al. (I. C. Lane, W. H. Howie and A. J. Orr-Ewing, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 1999, 1, 3087) in both the diabatic and adiabatic limits suggests that the dynamics are closer to the diabatic limit. The overall Cl((2)P(J)) branching ratios are in good agreement with the diabatic model results. There are significant differences, however, between theory and experiment at the correlated state level, demonstrating the sensitivity of correlated measurements to the role of the exit channel coupling in the predissociation dynamics. The results highlight the need for more sophisticated quantum dynamical calculations to describe the correlated fine structure branching ratios in this system.     

Rotational predissociation of extremely weakly bound atom-molecule complexes produced by Feshbach resonance association

We study the rotational predissociation of atom-molecule complexes with very small binding energy. Such complexes can be produced by Feshbach resonance association of ultracold molecules with ultracold atoms. Numerical calculations of the predissociation lifetimes based on the computation of the energy dependence of the scattering matrix elements become inaccurate when the binding energy is smaller than the energy width of the predissociating state. We derive expressions that represent accurately the predissociation lifetimes in terms of the real and imaginary parts of the scattering length and effective range for molecules in an excited rotational state. Our results show that the predissociation lifetimes are the longest when the binding energy is positive, i.e., when the predissociating state is just above the excited state threshold.     

The photodissociation of Li2

The absorption of photons by Li₂ from the X ¹Σ⁺_g state to the A ¹Σ⁺_u and B ¹Π_u states is considered and the mechanisms that lead to dissociation are studied quantitatively. Calculations are reported on the direct predissociation of the b ³Π_u state. The significance of accidental predissociation of the A ¹Σ⁺_u state is discussed and a quantal theory of the process is presented.     

Communication: Quantum Zeno-based control mechanism for molecular fragmentation

A quantum control mechanism is proposed for molecular fragmentation processes within a scenario grounded on the quantum Zeno effect. In particular, we focus on the van der Waals Ne-Br(2) complex, which displays two competing dissociation channels via vibrational and electronic predissociation. Accordingly, realistic three-dimensional wave packet simulations are carried out by using ab initio interaction potentials recently obtained to reproduce available experimental data. Two numerical models to simulate the repeated measurements are reported and analyzed. It is found that the otherwise fast vibrational predissociation is slowed down in favor of the slow electronic (double fragmentation) predissociation, which is enhanced by several orders of magnitude. Based on these theoretical predictions, some hints to experimentalists to confirm their validity are also proposed.     

Ultrafast decay of superexcited c 4Σu- nlσg v=0,1 states of O2 probed with femtosecond photoelectron spectroscopy

Neutral superexcited states in molecular oxygen converging to the O(2)(+) c (4)Σ(u)(-) ion state are excited and probed with femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate predissociation and autoionization relaxation channels as the superexcited states decay. The c (4)Σ(u)(-) 4sσ(g) v=0, c (4)Σ(u)(-) 4sσ(g) v=1, and c (4)Σ(u)(-) 3dσ(g) v=1 superexcited states are prepared with pulsed high-harmonic radiation centered at 23.10 eV. A time-delayed 805 nm laser pulse is used to probe the excited molecular states and neutral atomic fragments by ionization; the ejected photoelectrons from these states are spectrally resolved with a velocity map imaging spectrometer. Three excited neutral O* atom products are identified in the photoelectron spectrum as 4d(1)?(3)D(J)°, 4p(1) (5)P(J)° and 3d(1) (3)D(J)° fragments. Additionally, several features in the photoelectron spectrum are assigned to photoionization of the transiently populated superexcited states. Using principles of the ion core dissociation model, the atomic fragments measured are correlated with the molecular superexcited states from which they originate. The 4d(1) (3)D(J)° fragment is observed to be formed on a timescale of 65 ± 5 fs and is likely a photoproduct of the 4sσ(g) v = 1 state. The 4p(1) (5)P(J)° fragment is formed on a timescale of 427 ± 75 fs and correlated with the neutral predissociation of the 4sσ(g) v = 0 state. The timescales represent the sum of predissociation and autoionization decay rates for the respective superexcited state. The production of the 3d(1) (3)D(J)° fragment is not unambiguously resolved in time due to an overlapping decay of a v = 1 superexcited state photoelectron signal. The observed 65 fs timescale is in good agreement with previous experiments and theory on the predissociation lifetimes of the v = 1 ion state, suggesting that predissociation may dominate the decay dynamics from the v = 1 superexcited states. An unidentified molecular state is inferred by the detection of a long-lived depletion signal (reduction in autoionization) associated with the B (2)Σ(g)(-) ion state that persists up to time delays of 105 ps.     

Photodissociation of bromobenzene, dibromobenzene, and 1,3,5-tribromobenzene

Quantum chemical calculations have been performed on the ground state and several low-lying excited states of bromobenzene, ortho-, meta-, and para-dibromobenzene, and 1,3,5-tribromobenzene using high-level ab initio and hybrid density-functional methods. Experimental observations of ultrafast predissociation in these molecules are clarified from extensive theoretical information about all low-energy potential-energy curves together with symmetry arguments. The intriguing observation that o- and m-dibromobenzene have two ultrafast predissociation channels while bromobenzene, p-dibromobenzene, and 1,3,5-tribromobenzene only have one such channel is explained from the calculated potential-energy curves. These show that the lowering of point-group symmetry from C2v to Cs along the main photodissociation reaction coordinate, which only occurs in o- and m-dibromobenzene, opens up a new predissociation channel. Dynamical quantum simulations based on the calculated potential-energy curves are used to estimate the coupling strength at the intersystem crossing point in bromobenzene.     

Laser induced preassociation in the presence of natural predissociation

Laser induced predissociation and its inverse, radiative preassociation are examined in the presence of natural (intrinsic) molecular predissociation. Quantum interferences will occur between the two processes, inducing optical windows in the energy transfer between the radiative channel and the natural predissociation channel. The radiative preassociation can serve as an efficient method of energy transfer to the predissociative channel.     

High resolution study of photoabsorption photodissociation and fluorescence in H2

Extensive excitation fluorescence spectra for both the molecule and the atomic fragment are presented with the absorption spectrum in the 765–850 Å spectral range with a resolution varying from 0.07 to 0.05Å. A review is made of the previously published results on photodissociation cross sections, photodissociation rates, predissociation probabilities. New results on the predissociation of then p σ Σ⁺ _u levels are presented. The competitions between the various decay processes: radiation, predissociation and autoionisation, are discussed.     

Surface hopping simulation of vibrational predissociation of methanol dimer

The mixed quantum-classical surface hopping method is applied to the vibrational predissociation of methanol dimer, and the results are compared to more exact quantum calculations. Utilizing the vibrational SCF basis, the predissociation problem is cast into a curve crossing problem between dissociative and quasibound surfaces with different vibrational character. The varied features of the dissociative surfaces, arising from the large amplitude OH torsion, generate rich predissociation dynamics. The fewest switches surface hopping algorithm of Tully [J. Chem. Phys. 93, 1061 (1990)] is applied to both diabatic and adiabatic representations. The comparison affords new insight into the criterion for selecting the suitable representation. The adiabatic method's difficulty with low energy trajectories is highlighted. In the normal crossing case, the diabatic calculations yield good results, albeit showing its limitation in situations where tunneling is important. The quadratic scaling of the rates on coupling strength is confirmed. An interesting resonance behavior is identified and is dealt with using a simple decoherence scheme. For low lying dissociative surfaces that do not cross the quasibound surface, the diabatic method tends to overestimate the predissociation rate whereas the adiabatic method is qualitatively correct. Analysis reveals the major culprits involve Rabi-like oscillation, treatment of classically forbidden hops, and overcoherence. Improvements of the surface hopping results are achieved by adopting a few changes to the original surface hopping algorithms.     

Size evolution of the vibrational predissociation process in Br2...Nen clusters: simulation and kinetic study

A hybrid quantum-classical simulation of the vibrational predissociation of Br2...Nen, (n = 2-11) clusters in the B electronic state is carried out. The time-evolution of the reactants, products, and intermediates is analyzed by a kinetic mechanism consisting of three elementary steps: direct vibrational predissociation (VP), intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR), and evaporative cooling (EC). The importance of intramolecular vibrational redistribution followed by evaporative cooling relative to direct vibrational predissociation is shown to increase rapidly with increasing cluster size. Final product state distributions reveal that only one or less Br2 stretching quantum per neon atom is required in order to achieve complete dissociation (n quanta for n < or = 9 and n - 1 for n = 10 and 11). The proportion of available energy going into translation is proposed as a parameter to study the statistical behavior of the Van der Waals clusters. It is shown to depend only on the number of remaining degrees of freedom, a characteristic of a statistical behavior, for n > or = 3.     

Photofragment angular momentum distribution beyond the axial recoil approximation: predissociation

We present the quantum mechanical expressions for the angular momentum distribution of the photofragments produced in slow predissociation. The paper is based on our recent theoretical treatment [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 034307 (2005)] of the recoil angle dependence of the photofragment multipole moments which explicitly treat the role of molecular axis rotation on the electronic angular momentum polarization of the fragments. The electronic wave function of the molecule was used in the adiabatic body frame representation. The rigorous expressions for the fragment state multipoles which have been explicitly derived from the scattering wave function formalism have been used for the case of slow predissociation where a molecule lives in the excited quasibound state much longer than a rotation period. Possible radial nonadiabatic interactions were taken into consideration. The optical excitation of a single rotational branch and the broadband incoherent excitation of all possible rotational branches have been analyzed in detail. The angular momentum polarization of the photofragments has been treated in the high-J limit. The polarization of the photofragment angular momenta predicted by the theory depends on photodissociation mechanism and can in many cases be significant.