Sideways scattering oscillations reveal geometric phase effect and isotope effect in the H + D₂ → HD + D reaction.

ABSTRACT: Quantum interference between reaction pathways plays a crucial role in understanding the microscopic mechanisms of chemical reactions. The hydrogen exchange reaction, involving a well-characterized conical intersection, exhibits rich dynamics arising from interference between multiple reactive pathways. Here, we report high-resolution scattering measurements at a collision energy of 2.38 eV, which reveal pronounced sideways angular oscillations in the HD product distribution. Together with exact quantum theoretical calculations, these results provide unambiguous evidence of geometric phase-induced quantum interference in the H + D₂ reaction. Detailed analysis reveals that the observed sideways scattering oscillations, hallmarks of quantum interference, are strongly influenced by

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12708845 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature