Investigating Quantum Stereodynamics in COld REactive Scattering

Introduction

It is a long-held dream of physical chemists to explore and ultimately control interactions between individual molecules and atoms at the full quantum level. Crossed-molecular-beam methods combined with recent technology allow for highly-detailed experimental studies of molecular collisions. Yet, achieving fully-controlled reactive collision experiments with predetermined outcomes still remains an immense challenge, requiring control and detection of all relevant reactant and product parameters.

Project Overview

Our world-unique crossed-beam setup combining Zeeman deceleration and velocity map imaging would enable us to finally tackle this challenge, when combined with recent cutting-edge technologies. This setup has been used successfully to perform high-resolution inelastic collision studies, and we recently started investigating reactive scattering.

Proposed Experiment

Here, I propose to perform the first fully-controlled reaction experiment with predetermined outcomes. To this end, I will:

1. Upgrade our setup to reach collision energies as low as 6 mK.
2. Implement laser alignment for manipulating reactant orientations.
3. Employ 3D imaging for detecting product orientations.

Methodology

To achieve this aim, we will first explore resonances and nonstatistical effects in the prototypical S + H2 → SH + H insertion reaction to demonstrate our ability to reach low energies. Simultaneously, we will laser align H2 molecules and employ 3D imaging in a separate setup to decipher molecular orientation (stereodynamical) effects in collisions involving H2. Eventually, all techniques will be merged for a fully-controlled S + H2 reaction experiment, enabling us to dictate the reaction outcome.

Expected Outcomes

IQ-SCORES promises profound insight into the reaction (stereo)dynamics at the full quantum level and the long-desired power to dictate reaction outcomes with exceptional precision, thus providing an ultrasensitive test for theory. This pioneering and groundbreaking research will thereby truly revolutionize molecular reaction dynamics.