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Kranabetter L, Kristensen HH, Schouder CA, Stapelfeldt H. Structure determination of alkali trimers on helium nanodroplets through laser-induced Coulomb explosion. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:131101. [PMID: 38557840 DOI: 10.1063/5.0200389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Alkali trimers, Ak3, located on the surface of He nanodroplets are triply ionized following multiphoton absorption from an intense femtosecond laser pulse, leading to fragmentation into three correlated Ak+ ions. Combining the information from threefold covariance analysis of the emission direction of the fragment ions and their kinetic energy distributions P(Ekin), we find that Na3, K3, and Rb3 have an equilateral triangular structure, corresponding to that of the lowest lying quartet state A2'4, and determine the equilibrium bond distance Req(Na3) = 4.65 ± 0.15 Å, Req(K3) = 5.03 ± 0.18 Å, and Req(Rb3) = 5.45 ± 0.22 Å. For K3 and Rb3, these values agree well with existing theoretical calculations, while for Na3, the value is 0.2-0.3 Å larger than the existing theoretical results. The discrepancy is ascribed to a minor internuclear motion of Na3 during the ionization process. In addition, we determine the distribution of internuclear distances P(R) under the assumption of fixed bond angles. The results are compared to the square of the internuclear wave function |Ψ(R)|2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kranabetter
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Henrik H Kristensen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Constant A Schouder
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- LIDYL, CNRS, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Henrik Stapelfeldt
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Shaik S, Danovich D, Hiberty PC. On The Nature of the Chemical Bond in Valence Bond Theory. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:090901. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0095953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This perspective outlines a panoramic description of the nature of the chemical bond according to valence bond theory. It describes single bonds, and charge-shift bonds (CSBs) in which the entire/most of the bond energy arises from the resonance between the covalent and ionic structures of the bond. Many CSBs are homonuclear bonds. Hypervalent molecules are CSBs. Then we describe multiply bonded molecules with emphasis on C2 and 3O2. The perspective outlines an effective methodology of peeling the electronic structure to the necessary minimum: a structure with a quadruple bond, and two minor structures with double bonds, which stabilize the quadruple bond by resonance. 3O2 is chosen because it is a persistent diradical. The persistence of 3O2 is due to the large CSB resonance interaction of the π-3-electron bonds. Subsequently, we describe the roles of π vs. σ in the geometric preferences in unsaturated molecules, and their Si-based analogs. Then, the perspective discusses bonding in clusters of univalent metal-atoms, which possess only parallel spins, and are nevertheless bonded due to multiple resonance interactions. The bond energy reaches ~40 kcal/mol for a pair of atoms (in n+1Cun; n~10-12). The final subsection discusses singlet excited states in ethene, ozone and SO2. It demonstrates the capability of the breathing-orbital VB method to yield an accurate description of a variety of excited states using 10 or less VB structures. Furthermore, the method underscores covalent structures which play a key role in the correct description and bonding of these excited states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sason Shaik
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem Institute of Chemistry, Israel
| | - David Danovich
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem Institute of Chemistry, Israel
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Krois G, Lackner F, Pototschnig JV, Buchsteiner T, Ernst WE. Characterization of RbSr molecules: spectral analysis on helium droplets. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:22373-81. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cp03135k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Krois G, Pototschnig JV, Lackner F, Ernst WE. Spectroscopy of cold LiCa molecules formed on helium nanodroplets. J Phys Chem A 2013; 117:13719-31. [PMID: 24028555 PMCID: PMC3871282 DOI: 10.1021/jp407818k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We report on the formation of mixed alkali-alkaline earth molecules (LiCa) on helium nanodroplets and present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the ground and excited states of LiCa. Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight (REMPI-TOF) spectroscopy and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy were used for the experimental investigation of LiCa from 15000 to 25500 cm(-1). The 4(2)Σ(+) and 3(2)Π states show a vibrational structure accompanied by distinct phonon wings, which allows us to determine molecular parameters as well as to study the interaction of the molecule with the helium droplet. Higher excited states (4(2)Π, 5(2)Σ(+), 5(2)Π, and 6(2)Σ(+)) are not vibrationally resolved and vibronic transitions start to overlap. The experimental spectrum is well reproduced by high-level ab initio calculations. By using a multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) approach, we calculated the 19 lowest lying potential energy curves (PECs) of the LiCa molecule. On the basis of these calculations, we could identify previously unobserved transitions. Our results demonstrate that the helium droplet isolation approach is a powerful method for the characterization of tailor-made alkali-alkaline earth molecules. In this way, important contributions can be made to the search for optimal pathways toward the creation of ultracold alkali-alkaline earth ground state molecules from the corresponding atomic species. Furthermore, a test for PECs calculated by ab initio methods is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter Krois
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Johann V. Pototschnig
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Lackner
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang E. Ernst
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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Yang S, Ellis AM, Spence D, Feng C, Boatwright A, Latimer E, Binns C. Growing metal nanoparticles in superfluid helium. NANOSCALE 2013; 5:11545-11553. [PMID: 24107922 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr04003h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Helium droplets provide a cold and confined environment where atomic and/or molecular dopants can aggregate into clusters and nanoparticles. In particular, the sequential addition of different materials to helium droplets can lead to the formation of a wide range of nanoparticles, including core-shell nanoparticles, which can then be deposited onto a surface. Here we briefly discuss the fundamental properties of helium droplets and then address their implications for the formation of clusters and nanoparticles. Several key experiments on atomic and molecular clusters will be highlighted and new results obtained for nanoparticles formed in this way will be presented. Finally, the versatility, the limitations and new possibilities provided by superfluid helium droplets in nanoscience and nanotechnology will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfu Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
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Lackner F, Poms J, Krois G, Pototschnig JV, Ernst WE. Spectroscopy of lithium atoms and molecules on helium nanodroplets. J Phys Chem A 2013; 117:11866-73. [PMID: 23895106 PMCID: PMC3839407 DOI: 10.1021/jp4030238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
We
report on the spectroscopic investigation of lithium atoms and
lithium dimers in their triplet manifold on the surface of helium
nanodroplets (HeN). We present the excitation spectrum
of the 3p ← 2s and 3d ← 2s two-photon transitions for
single Li atoms on HeN. The atoms are excited from the
2S(Σ) ground state into Δ, Π, and Σ pseudodiatomic
molecular substates. Excitation spectra are recorded by resonance
enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight (REMPI-TOF) mass spectroscopy,
which allows an investigation of the exciplex (Li*–Hem, m = 1–3) formation process
in the Li–HeN system. Electronic states are shifted
and broadened with respect to free atom states, which is explained
within the pseudodiatomic model. The assignment is assisted by theoretical
calculations, which are based on the Orsay–Trento density functional
where the interaction between the helium droplet and the lithium atom
is introduced by a pairwise additive approach. When a droplet is doped
with more than one alkali atom, the fragility of the alkali–HeN systems leads preferably to the formation of high-spin molecules
on the droplets. We use this property of helium nanodroplets for the
preparation of Li dimers in their triplet ground state (13Σu+).
The excitation spectrum of the 23Πg(ν′
= 0–11) ← 13Σu+(ν″ = 0) transition is presented.
The interaction between the molecule and the droplet manifests in
a broadening of the transitions with a characteristic asymmetric form.
The broadening extends to the blue side of each vibronic level, which
is caused by the simultaneous excitation of the molecule and vibrations
of the droplet (phonons). The two isotopes of Li form 6Li2 and 7Li2 as well as isotope
mixed 6Li7Li molecules on the droplet surface.
By using REMPI-TOF mass spectroscopy, isotope-dependent effects could
be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lackner
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology , Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria/EU
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Ratschek M, Koch M, Ernst WE. Doping helium nanodroplets with high temperature metals: Formation of chromium clusters. J Chem Phys 2012; 136:104201. [PMID: 22423831 DOI: 10.1063/1.3692330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ratschek
- Institute of Experimental Physics, TU Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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Mondal P, Opalka D, Poluyanov LV, Domcke W. Ab initio study of dynamical E × e Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit coupling effects in the transition-metal trifluorides TiF3, CrF3, and NiF3. J Chem Phys 2012; 136:084308. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3687001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Giese C, Stienkemeier F, Mudrich M, Hauser AW, Ernst WE. Homo- and heteronuclear alkali metal trimers formed on helium nanodroplets. Part II. Femtosecond spectroscopy and spectra assignments. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2011; 13:18769-80. [PMID: 21869967 DOI: 10.1039/c1cp21191a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Homo- and heteronuclear alkali quartet trimers of type K(3-n)Rb(n) (n = 0,1,2,3) formed on helium nanodroplets are probed by one-color femtosecond (fs) photoionization (PI) spectroscopy. The obtained frequencies are assigned to vibrations in different electronic states in comparison to high level ab initio calculations of the involved potentials including pronounced Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit couplings. Despite the fact that the resulting complex vibronic structure of the heavy alkali molecules complicates the comparison of experiment and theory we find good agreement for many of the observed lines for all species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giese
- Physikalisches Institut, Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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Mondal P, Opalka D, Poluyanov LV, Domcke W. Jahn–Teller and spin–orbit coupling effects in transition-metal trifluorides. Chem Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2011.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hauser AW, Ernst WE. Homo- and heteronuclear alkali metal trimers formed on helium nanodroplets. Part I. Vibronic spectra simulations based on ab initio calculations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2011; 13:18762-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c1cp21163c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Hauser AW, Auböck G, Callegari C, Ernst WE. Relativistic Jahn-Teller effects in the quartet states of K3 and Rb3: a vibronic analysis of the 2 (4)E' <-- 1 (4)A2' electronic transitions based on ab initio calculations. J Chem Phys 2010; 132:164310. [PMID: 20441278 DOI: 10.1063/1.3394015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We apply second-order multireference Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory to obtain the adiabatic potential energy surface of the 1 (4)A(2)(') lowest quartet state and the 2 (4)E(') excited state of K(3) and Rb(3). Both trimers show a typical Emultiply sign in circlee Jahn-Teller distortion in their 2 (4)E(') state, which is analyzed in terms of relativistic Jahn-Teller effect theory. Linear, quadratic, and spin-orbit coupling terms are extracted from the ab initio results and used to generate simulated spectra for a direct comparison with laser-induced fluorescence and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of alkali-doped helium nanodroplets [Aubock et al., J. Chem. Phys. 129, 114501 (2008)].
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Hauser
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
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Koch M, Lanzersdorfer J, Callegari C, Muenter JS, Ernst WE. Molecular Beam Magnetic Resonance in Doped Helium Nanodroplets. A Setup for Optically Detected ESR/NMR in the Presence of Unresolved Zeeman Splittings. J Phys Chem A 2009; 113:13347-56. [PMID: 19921944 DOI: 10.1021/jp9041827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Koch
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria/EU, and Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216
| | - Johannes Lanzersdorfer
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria/EU, and Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216
| | - Carlo Callegari
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria/EU, and Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216
| | - John S. Muenter
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria/EU, and Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216
| | - Wolfgang E. Ernst
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz, Austria/EU, and Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216
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