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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
Published on: February 4, 2017
The dance of molecules: new dynamical perspectives on highly excited molecular vibrations
Michael E Kellman1, Vivian Tyng
1Department of Chemistry and Institute of Theoretical Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA. kellman@uoregon.edu
Abstract:
At low energies, molecular vibrational motion is described by the normal modes model. This model breaks down at higher energy, with strong coupling between normal modes and onset of chaotic dynamics. New anharmonic modes are born in bifurcations, or branchings of the normal modes. Knowledge of these new modes is obtained through the window of frequency-domain spectroscopy, using techniques of nonlinear classical dynamics. It may soon be possible to "watch" molecular rearrangement reactions spectroscopically. Connections are being made with reaction rate theories, condensed phase systems, and motions of electrons in quantum dots.
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