Spatial quantum beats in vibrational resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering at dissociating states in oxygen

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Apr 15;106(15):153004. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.153004. Epub 2011 Apr 14.

Abstract

Resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering (RIXS) spectra excited at the 1σ(g) → 3σ(u) resonance in gas-phase O2 show excitations due to the nuclear degrees of freedom with up to 35 well-resolved discrete vibronic states and a continuum due to the kinetic energy distribution of the separated atoms. The RIXS profile demonstrates spatial quantum beats caused by two interfering wave packets with different momenta as the atoms separate. Thomson scattering strongly affects both the spectral profile and the scattering anisotropy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrons
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Oxygen / chemistry*
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Vibration
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Oxygen