Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Excitonic Hamiltonians for Calculating Optical Absorption Spectra and Optoelectronic Properties of Molecular Aggregates and Solids
Published on: May 27, 2020
Communication: Test of quantum chemistry in vibrationally hot hydrogen molecules
M L Niu1, E J Salumbides1, W Ubachs1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB, VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Precision measurements are performed on highly excited vibrational quantum states of molecular hydrogen. The v = 12, J = 0 - 3 rovibrational levels of H2 (X(1)Σg (+)), lying only 2000 cm(-1) below the first dissociation limit, were populated by photodissociation of H2S and their level energies were accurately determined by two-photon Doppler-free spectroscopy. A comparison between the experimental results on v = 12 level energies with the best ab initio calculations shows a good agreement, where the present experimental accuracy of 3.5 × 10(-3) cm(-1) is more precise than theory, hence providing a gateway to further test theoretical advances in this benchmark quantum system.
More Related Videos
08:22Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
09:40Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Molecular Spectroscopy: Absorption and Emission
IR Spectroscopy: Hooke's Law Approximation of Molecular Vibration
According to Hooke's law, the vibrational frequency is directly proportional to...
The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom
IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview
Stretching vibrations are vibrational motions that occur along the bond line, changing the bond length or distance between two bonded atoms. They are further distinguished as symmetric or asymmetric. In symmetric stretching, the...
Emission Spectra
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions