Evolution of interatomic Coulombic decay in the time domain

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Chemistry
• Chemical Physics

Background:

• Interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD) is a fundamental process involving energy transfer between excited atoms and their chemical environment.
• ICD is prevalent in systems with van der Waals and hydrogen bonds, influencing atomic decay pathways.
• The temporal dynamics of ICD are complex due to distance-dependent efficiency and changing interatomic distances during decay.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first direct experimental measurement of the temporal evolution of interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD).
• To investigate the complex time-dependent dynamics of ICD in electronically excited atoms.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a novel experimental approach to directly probe ICD dynamics.
• Time-resolved measurements capturing the evolution of ICD processes.

Main Results:

• Direct observation of the temporal evolution of interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD).
• Experimental validation of theoretical predictions regarding the complex time-dependent nature of ICD.

Conclusions:

• The study provides the first direct experimental evidence for the temporal evolution of ICD.
• This work opens new avenues for understanding and controlling quantum dynamics in atomic and molecular systems.