Quantum coherence in molecular dynamics induced by inelastic free electron scattering

TL;DR

This study demonstrates how inelastic free electron scattering induces quantum coherence in molecular hydrogen, affecting ion-pair formation through interference of dissociation pathways, with implications for plasma and astrochemical environments.

Contribution

It reveals the role of single electron non-resonant scattering in inducing quantum coherence in molecular dynamics, a novel insight into molecular ionization processes.

Findings

Quantum interference affects ion-pair formation pathways.

Inelastic electron scattering induces coherence in molecular dissociation.

Results are relevant for plasma and astrochemical environments.

Abstract

This paper presents the inversion symmetry breaking observed in ion-pair formation from molecular hydrogen on electron impact. We explain these observations using quantum interference of two dissociation paths coherently accessed by multiple angular momentum transfer channels. The results point to the generic nature of quantum coherence induced into the molecular dynamics by single electron non-resonant scattering ubiquitous in a plasma environment, planetary atmosphere, astrochemistry, etc.