Direct observation of geometric-phase interference in dynamics around a conical intersection.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Chemistry
• Chemical Physics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Conical intersections are fundamental in molecular processes like vision and catalysis.
• Geometric phases at conical intersections influence chemical reactions via quantum interference.
• Direct observation of this wavepacket interference has been lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally observe geometric-phase interference directly.
• To investigate wavepacket dynamics around engineered conical intersections.
• To validate the use of quantum simulators for nuclear quantum effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a programmable trapped-ion quantum simulator.
• Engineered a conical intersection within the simulator.
• Developed a technique to reconstruct 2D wavepacket densities.
• Performed experiments to observe wavepacket dynamics.

Main Results:

• Successfully observed geometric-phase interference in real-time.
• Experimental results matched theoretical predictions.
• Demonstrated wavepacket dynamics around the engineered conical intersection.

Conclusions:

• Direct observation of geometric-phase interference is now possible.
• Trapped-ion quantum simulators accurately model nuclear quantum effects.
• This work advances understanding of fundamental chemical dynamics.