Experimental and quantum-chemical studies on the three-particle fragmentation of neutral triatomic hydrogen
- Department of Molecular and Optical Physics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3, D-79104 Freiburg (Germany)
Dissociation of well-defined H{sub 3} Rydberg states into three ground state hydrogen atoms reveals characteristic correlation patterns in the center-of-mass motion of the three fragments. We present an extensive experimental dataset of momentum correlation maps for all lower Rydberg states of H{sub 3} and D{sub 3}. In particular the states with principal quantum number n=2 feature simple correlation patterns with regular occurence of mutual affinities. Energetically higher-lying states typically show more complex patterns which are unique for each state. Quantum-chemical calculations on adiabatic potential energy surfaces of H{sub 3} Rydberg states are presented to illuminate the likely origin of these differences. We discuss the likely dissociation mechanisms and paths which are responsible for the observed continuum correlation.
- OSTI ID:
- 20786298
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. A, Vol. 72, Issue 6; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.72.062506; (c) 2005 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1050-2947
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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