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Real-Time Evolution of the Valence Electronic Structure in a Dissociating Molecule

Ph. Wernet, M. Odelius, K. Godehusen, J. Gaudin, O. Schwarzkopf, and W. Eberhardt
Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 013001 – Published 29 June 2009
Physics logo See Synopsis: Halfway between an atom and a molecule
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Abstract

Time-resolved valence band photoelectron spectroscopy with a temporal resolution of 135 fs is used to map the entire occupied valence electronic structure of photoexcited gas-phase Br2 molecules during dissociation. The observed shifting and mixing of valence energy levels defines a transition period where the system appears to be intermediate between atoms and molecules. The surprisingly short bond breaking or dissociation time is determined by monitoring in real time how the photoelectron multiplet structure of the free atom arises from the valence states of the photoexcited molecule.

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  • Received 30 January 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.013001

©2009 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Halfway between an atom and a molecule

Published 6 July 2009

Ultrafast laser measurements map out the electronic structure of a neutral molecule as it photoionizes and breaks apart, leading to new conclusions about the time it takes for dissociation to occur.

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Authors & Affiliations

Ph. Wernet1,*, M. Odelius2, K. Godehusen1, J. Gaudin1,†, O. Schwarzkopf1, and W. Eberhardt1

  • 1Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
  • 2FYSIKUM, Stockholm University, AlbaNova, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden

  • *wernet@helmholtz-berlin.de
  • Permanent address: European XFEL/DESY, Notkestrasse 85, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany.

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Issue

Vol. 103, Iss. 1 — 3 July 2009

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