Atom-diatom scattering dynamics of spinning molecules

Area of Science:

• Chemical Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Molecular Dynamics

Background:

• Controlling molecular motion is key to understanding and directing chemical reactions.
• Nuclear spin isomers of molecules exhibit distinct properties that can be exploited for selective manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate nuclear spin-selective atom-diatom scattering using spinning molecules as targets.
• To explore the potential of laser-induced unidirectional molecular rotation for controlling scattering outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Full quantum mechanical scattering calculations were performed.
• Rotational wavepackets were simulated for unidirectionally spinning molecules created by chiral laser pulses.
• Two-dimensional state-resolved differential cross sections were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Molecules with opposite senses of rotation were predominantly scattered in opposite directions.
• This directional scattering enables spatially and quantum state-selective interactions.
• A classical vector model effectively explains the observed scattering mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Laser-controlled molecular spinning offers a novel pathway for selective chemical scattering.
• The findings open avenues for precise control over reactive collisions at the quantum level.
• This technique could lead to new methods for separating or manipulating chemical species.