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Production of cold formaldehyde molecules for study and control of chemical reaction.

Journal Article · · Proposed for publication in Physical Review Letters.
OSTI ID:970727

We propose a method for controlling a class of low temperature chemical reactions. Specifically, we show the hydrogen abstraction channel in the reaction of formaldehyde (H{sub 2}CO) and the hydroxyl radical (OH) can be controlled through either the molecular state or an external electric field. We also outline experiments for investigating and demonstrating control over this important reaction. To this end, we report the first Stark deceleration of H{sub 2}CO. We have decelerated a molecular beam of H{sub 2}CO essentially to rest, producing molecules at 100 mK with a density of {approx} 10{sup 6} cm{sup -3}.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
970727
Report Number(s):
SAND2005-5069J
Journal Information:
Proposed for publication in Physical Review Letters., Journal Name: Proposed for publication in Physical Review Letters.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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