Coherent control of reactive scattering at low temperatures: Signatures of quantum interference in the differential cross sections for F + H2 and F + HD

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how quantum interference can be used to control reactive scattering processes at low temperatures by creating coherent superpositions of molecular rotational states, revealing unique signatures in differential cross sections.

Contribution

It introduces a method to observe and quantify quantum interference-based control in reactive scattering using differential cross sections at low temperatures.

Findings

Signatures of coherent control identified in F + H2 and HF + D reactions.

Control effects are extensive and observable at 11 K.

Potential applications in manipulating chemical reactions via quantum interference.

Abstract

Fundamental entanglement related challenges have prevented quantum interference-based control (i.e. coherent control) of collisional cross sections from being implemented in the laboratory. Here, differential cross sections for reactive scattering at low temperatures are shown to provide a unique opportunity to display such interference-based control by forming coherent superpositions of degenerate rotational states of reactant molecules |jmi with different m. In particular, we identify and quantify a unique signature of coherent control in reactive scattering with applications to F + H2 ! H + HF and HF + D F + HD ! HD + F at 11 K. Control is shown to be extensive.