Quasi-classical simulations of resonance Raman spectra based on path integral linearization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quasi-classical simulation method for resonance Raman spectra using path integral linearization, effectively capturing vibrational features and applicable to dissociating states.

Contribution

It presents a novel quasi-classical trajectory approach based on path integral linearization for simulating resonance Raman spectra, including overtones and dissociation.

Findings

Accurately characterizes resonance Raman scattering and enhancement.

Reproduces vibrational fine structure for long excited state relaxation times.

Applicable to dissociating excited states like HOCl.

Abstract

Based on a linearization approximation coupled with path integral formalism, we propose a method derived from the propagation of quasi-classical trajectories to simulate resonance Raman spectra. This method is based on a ground state sampling followed by an ensemble of trajectories on the mean surface between the ground and excited states. The method was tested on three models and compared to quantum mechanics solution based on a sum-over-states approach: harmonic and anharmonic oscillators and the HOCl molecule (hypochlorous acid). The method proposed is able to correctly characterize resonance Raman scattering and enhancement, including the description of overtones and combination bands. The absorption spectrum is obtained at the same time and the vibrational fine structure can be reproduced for long excited state relaxation times. The method can be applied also to dissociating excited states (as is the case for HOCl).