Quantum solvation and molecular rotations in superfluid helium clusters

• DOI: 10.1063/1.1310608
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T13:59:53Z
• Authors: Yongkyung Kwon; Patrick Huang; Mehul V. Patel; Dörte Blume; K. Birgitta Whaley
• Keywords: Quantum fluid

Spectroscopic experiments on molecules embedded in free clusters of liquid helium reveal a number unusual features deriving from the unique quantum behavior this nanoscale matrix environment. The apparent rotation small bosonic He4 is one experimentally most well documented these features. In Focus article, we set phenomenon context experimental and theoretical advances field over last ten years, describe microscopic insight which it has provided into nature dynamic consequences solvation superfluid. We provide comprehensive analysis based unification conclusions drawn diffusion path integral Monte Carlo calculations. These calculations elucidate origin empirical rotor spectrum, its relation to boson character superfluid nanosolvent. molecular preserved because inefficient angular momentum coupling between dopant surroundings. This consistent with droplet, significant implications for hydrodynamic response local fluid environment molecule. molecule–helium interaction appears induce nonsuperfluid density component first shell. can adiabatically follow rotation, resulting reduction rotational constant. following density, magnitude gas-phase constant anisotropy potential, are characterized several examples. role analyzed within continuum model subject constraints. result framework unites zero temperature description cluster energy levels, two-fluid finite structure