Chemical "Double Slits": Dynamical Interference of Photodissociation Pathways in Water

• DOI: 10.1126/science.285.5431.1249
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:37:46Z
• Authors: R. N. Dixon; D. W. Hwang; X. F. Yang; S. Harich; J. J. Lin; X. Yang
• Keywords: Conical intersection; Oscillation (cell signaling)

Photodissociation of water at a wavelength 121.6 nanometers has been investigated by using the H-atom Rydberg tagging technique. A striking even-odd intensity oscillation was observed in OH(X) product rotational distribution. Model calculations attribute this to an unusual dynamical interference brought about two dissociation pathways that pass through dissimilar conical intersections potential energy surfaces, but result same products. The pattern and OH distribution are sensitive positions energies intersections, one with atoms collinear as H-OH other H-HO. An accurate simulation observations would provide detailed test global H(2)O surfaces for three (&Xtilde;/A/&Btilde;) contributing states. from intersection provides chemical analog Young's well-known double-slit experiment.