Quantum rotator: some examples in modern spirit

TL;DR

This paper examines various types of molecular and atomic rotations, demonstrating that while some are practically impossible, others like electron clouds in fullerenes can rotate quantum mechanically at low temperatures.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of classical and quantum rotational possibilities in atoms, molecules, and nanostructures, highlighting conditions for quantum rotation.

Findings

Electron cloud rotation in fullerenes is possible quantum mechanically below 40 K.

Ion core rotation in fullerenes is classical and feasible.

Rotation in nanotube rings is also classical and feasible.

Abstract

Rotation of the nucleus and rotation of the electronic cloud of the atom/ion were considered. It was shown that these rotations are not practically possible. Rotation of the cloud of delocalized electrons and ionic core of a fullerene molecule and these of the ring of a nanotube were discussed. It was shown that the rotation of the cloud of delocalized electrons of a fullerene molecule is possible and it goes in a quantum way when temperature is essentially lower than 40 K. Rotation of the ion core of a fullerene molecule is possible in a classical way only. The same should be said about rotations in the ring of a nanotube.