Cluster Formation and Phase Transitions Induced by Vibrational Strong Coupling.

ABSTRACT: Vibrational strong coupling (VSC) has been shown to significantly modify the chemical and physical properties of molecules and materials. Here we report the non-resonant Rayleigh scattering of various molecules in liquid phase, such as toluene and water, and find that it is enhanced by ca. two orders of magnitude in the visible upon VSC of vibrational bands of the solvent in the infrared (IR). The results show that the enhanced scattering is due to the formation of new phase possibly consisting of clusters. The VSC phase undergoes a well-defined transition with temperature and solvent composition. This finding has significant consequences for understanding how VSC influences molecular processes such as chemical reactivity and self-assembly.

SUBMITTER: Sandeep K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12759248 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature