Diffractive Imaging of C_{60} Structural Deformations Induced by Intense Femtosecond Midinfrared Laser Fields

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Molecular Dynamics
• Ultrafast Spectroscopy

Background:

• Theoretical studies predicted periodic cage distortions in C60 molecules exposed to intense infrared laser pulses.
• Understanding ultrafast molecular structural dynamics is crucial for various scientific fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally measure laser-induced deformation of C60 molecules in an intense infrared laser field.
• To demonstrate the capability of laser-driven electron diffraction for studying macromolecular dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the laser-driven self-imaging electron diffraction technique.
• Employed intense 3.6 μm laser fields to probe C60.
• Analyzed angular- and energy-resolved electron measurements.

Main Results:

• Observed a prolate molecular elongation of C60 along the laser polarization axis by (6.1±1.4)%.
• Confirmed experimental findings with density functional theory simulations.
• Indicated nonadiabatic excitation of the hg(1) prolate-oblate mode.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully measured laser-induced structural changes in C60.
• Laser-driven electron diffraction is a powerful tool for four-dimensional macromolecular studies.
• Provided insights into the ultrafast dynamics of fullerenes.