The dependence on initial configuration of strong field-driven isomerization of neutral and ionic C$_2$H$_2$ targets

POSTER

Abstract

As a test bed for hydrogen migration, the conversion between the C$_2$H$_2$ molecule's acetylene (HCCH) and vinylidene (H$_2$CC) isomers has been a subject of great interest. We further explore isomerization of this system, examining the ultrafast laser-induced dynamics of C$_2$H$_2^q$ ion beam targets. These ion beams are generated with various initial configurations, including HCCH, H$_2$CC, and \emph{cis}/\emph{trans}. We show that the branching ratio between acetylene-like (CH$^{q_1}$ + CH$^{q_2}$) and vinylidene-like (C$^{q_1}$ + CH$_2^{q_2}$) fragmentation$^{\dag}$, measured using a coincidence 3D momentum imaging technique, exhibits a strong dependence on the target's initial configuration. Specifically, while an HCCH target, such as a C$_2$H$_2^+$ beam produced from C$_2$H$_2$, undergoes acetylene-like and vinylidene-like breakup at comparable levels, for H$_2$CC targets, there is a distinct preference for the latter. For example, acetylene breakup is negligible for C$_2$H$_2^-$. \\ \\ $^{\dag}$Includes CH + CH and C + CH$_2$

Authors

  • Bethany Jochim

    J.R. Macdonald Laboratory, Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA, Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • Ben Berry

    J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • T. Severt

    J.R. Macdonald Laboratory, Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA, Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA, J.R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA

  • Peyman Feizollah

    Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • M. Zohrabi

    J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • Kanaka Raju P.

    Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Department of Physics, Kansas State University, USA, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • K. D. Carnes

    Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • I. Ben-Itzhak

    J.R. Macdonald Laboratory, Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA, Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Department of Physics, Kansas State University, USA, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Physics Department, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA

  • E. Wells

    Physics Department, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD 57197 USA