Tracking the Complex Dynamics of Electron-Transfer-Mediated Decay in Real Space and Time

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Chemical Physics
• Molecular Dynamics

Background:

• Excited state molecules in environments can undergo nonlocal decay.
• Nuclear dynamics significantly impact the efficiency of these decay processes.
• Electron transfer and energy transfer are key mechanisms in excited state de-excitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electron-transfer-mediated decay in a triatomic system.
• To understand the role of nuclear dynamics and molecular geometry in decay.
• To correlate experimental observations with theoretical models.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing 5-fold coincidence measurements for detailed experimental data.
• Employing theoretical modeling to simulate the decay process.
• Combining experimental and theoretical approaches for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified specific molecular geometries favored during electron-transfer-mediated decay.
• Observed a correlation between decay time and favored geometries.
• Confirmed roaming-like atomic motion in the triatomic system prior to decay.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear dynamics play a critical role in nonlocal decay mechanisms.
• The study provides an intuitive understanding of electron-transfer-mediated decay.
• The combined approach allows for time-resolved tracing of decaying systems.