Quantum-state-specific reaction rate measurements for the photo-induced reaction Ca+ + O2 → CaO+ + O

Abstract

ABSTRACTAtoms and molecules often react at different rates depending on their internal quantum states. Thus, controlling which internal states are populated can be used to manipulate the reactivity and can lead to a more detailed understanding of reaction mechanisms. We demonstrate this control of reactions by studying the electronically excited state reaction . This reaction is exothermic only if Ca is in one of its excited electronic states. Using laser-cooling and electrodynamic trapping, we cool and trap Ca at millikelvin temperatures for several minutes. We can then change the fraction of time they spend in each of the two excited states by adjusting the detunings of the cooling lasers. This allows us to disentangle the reactions that begin with Ca in the 2P-state from the ones where Ca is in the 2D-state. Using time-of-flight mass spectrometry, we determine independent reaction rate constants for Ca in both electronically excited states.