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yesterday

Researchers Confirm Direct Imaging of Coherent Quantum Vibrations in Complex Molecules

This experiment maps coordinated zero-point vibrations in an eleven-atom molecule with ultrafast X-ray pulses, enabling researchers to trace electron motions, capture molecular processes in real time.

Image
Visualisation of collective quantum fluctuations of a complex 2-iodopyridine molecule.
Ultrashort, high-intensity X-ray laser pulses trigger controlled explosions of molecules – making it possible to capture high-resolution images of molecular structures. (Credit: Till Jahnke / Goethe University Frankfurt)

Overview

  • Using ultrashort X-ray pulses at the European XFEL, researchers triggered controlled Coulomb explosions in 2-iodopyridine molecules and recorded fragment trajectories with a tailored COLTRIMS reaction microscope.
  • Analysis revealed 27 distinct vibrational modes and showed that zero-point motions are coordinated across atoms, confirming coherent quantum dynamics beyond random thermal vibrations.
  • Theoretical collaborations developed new reconstruction methods to derive full molecular geometry and motion from partial fragment data, aligning experiments with quantum models.
  • The validated imaging approach establishes a robust platform for exploring complex quantum phenomena in medium-sized molecules and refines our ability to observe coherent quantum behavior.
  • Teams are now adapting their setup to probe electron choreography and aim to produce real-time molecular movies of quantum processes once deemed unattainable.