Summary
Visualizing molecular transformations in real-time requires a structural retrieval method with Ångström spatial and femtosecond temporal resolutions. Laser-induced electron diffraction (LIED) is the first table-top technique that can image ultrafast structural changes of gas-phase polyatomic molecules with sub-Ångström and femtosecond spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we image the umbrella motion of the ammonia molecule (NH3) following its strong-field tunnel ionization. Upon ionization of a neutral ammonia molecule, it undergoes an ultrafast geometrical transformation from a pyramidal (φHNH=107º) to planar (φHNH=120º) structure. Using LIED, we retrieve a quasi-planar (φHNH=114 +/- 2º) NH3+ molecular structure 7-9 femtoseconds after ionization. Our measured NH3+ structure is in excellent agreement with the calculated equilibrium field-dressed structure using quantum chemical ab initio calculations.
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Carrer del Comte d’Urgell 187
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T. +34 938 293 603
The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) is an institution of scientific cooperation of seven top research centres committed to creating a collaborative environment of multidisciplinary scientific excellence.
Travessera de les Corts, 131-159
Pavelló Central. Recinte Maternitat.
08028 Barcelona
T. +34 938 293 603
The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) is an institution of scientific cooperation of seven top research centres committed to creating a collaborative environment of multidisciplinary scientific excellence.