Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Field-free orientation of molecules
1Department of Computational Science, The National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore 119260.
Abstract:
We consider impulsive excitation of a linear polar molecule by a plane polarized electromagnetic "half-cycle" pulse in the terahertz range. A rotational wave packet is created with angular momentum states of different parity. The time evolution of the wave packet corresponds to alternating molecular orientations with respect to the polarization axis of the field. This field-free time-dependent orientation of the molecule is computationally demonstrated, also at finite temperatures, with LiH and NaI as examples.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Molecular Shape and Polarity
VSEPR Theory
Newman Projections
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.
Molecules with Multiple Chiral Centers
Fischer Projections
Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...

