Potential Energy Curves Research Articles

Charge-symmetric and -asymmetric fragmentation dynamics of argon dimers in slow Ar8+–Ar2 collisions

We present an experimental study of multiple-electron capture-induced fragmentation dynamics of Ar2m+ (4 ≤m≤ 7) dimer ions in 4 keV/u Ar8+–Ar2 collisions. The fragment recoil ion pairs and the charge-changing projectiles are coincidentally measured using a double coincidence technique. The branching ratios between the different charge-sharing fragmentation channels show an inherent enhancement of the asymmetric channels. The kinetic energy release (KER) distributions for the associated electron capture process show a shift in the mean KER values toward the higher side with increasing capture stabilization. The interplay between the different projectile autoionization processes sheds light on the energy depositions to the system during collisions. The Coulomb potential energy curves give a physical insight into the role of the projectile final states in the dimer fragmentation dynamics. The dimer-axis orientation-dependent cross sections for the asymmetric fragmentation channels reveal a forward–backward asymmetry that arises from the geometry of the collision system. Our findings thus give insight into the impact parameter-controlled fragmentation dynamics of multiply charged Ar2m+ dimer ions in highly charged ion–dimer slow collisions.

Computational study on the electronic states of tungsten nitride molecule

The state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field (SA-CASSCF) method and rotated multi-state complete active space second-order perturbation theory (RMS-CASPT2) are applied to investigate the low-lying Λ–S and Ω electronic states of tungsten nitride, WN. The potential energy curves of the low-lying states are computed, and the fitted spectroscopic constants are in good agreement with the available experimental results. The A4Π-X4Σ- transition is focused to compare with the previously observed emission spectra of WN in the region of 500–580 nm. With the inclusion of the spin–orbit coupling, the ground Λ–S state X4Σ- and the excited state A4Π split into 4Σ− 1/2, 3/2 and 4Π−1/2, 1/2, 3/2, 5/2, respectively; and according to the present computed results, in conjunction with the results from previous studies, a complete set of transition data for the WN molecule is obtained. Our computed results indicate that the observed spectra should be assigned to the fine structure of A4Π-X4Σ- transition in WN. Furthermore, spectra information, including transition energy and transition dipole moment, arising from the transitions from the other excited states to ground states is also predicted. It is expected that the present work would promote the further experimental studies on absorption or emission spectra of WN.

The double minimum E(3)[formula omitted] state in Cs[formula omitted]

The double minimum E1Σu+ state in caesium dimer was investigated by analysing spectra of the E1Σu+← X1Σg+ band system, simplified by polarisation labelling. A total of 6727 rotationally resolved transitions to levels situated in the inner well and above the internal barrier were identified and a potential energy curve allowing to reproduce their energies was constructed using the Fourier grid Hamiltonian and inverted perturbation approach methods. The unambiguity of the potential curve in view of lack of data related to levels located in the outer well is discussed.

A comparative study of analytical representations of potential energy curves for CO in its ground electronic state

AbstractIn this work, a comparative study of four functional forms used to represent potential energy curves (PECs) is presented. The starting point is the Hulburt‐Hirschfelder, followed by the Extended Rydberg potential function, ending with two of the most recent potentials presented in the literature for diatomic systems: the Araújo‐Ballester potential and the Improved Extended Lennard‐Jones potential. The chosen potentials have in common the fact that all their parameters are algebraically calculated, without any fitting procedure, and all of them have direct dependence on Dunham's parameters. The mathematical behavior of these functions for the short‐ and long‐range regions is discussed. As study case, the diatomic system in its ground electronic state was selected. To quantify the accuracy of the potential energy functions, the least‐squares Z‐test method, proposed by Murrell and Sorbie, is used. Furthermore, the main spectroscopic constants and vibrational energy levels are calculated and compared for all potentials.

Coupled cluster method tailored with quantum computing

Introducing an active space approximation is inevitable for the quantum computations of chemical systems. However, this approximation ignores the electron correlations related to nonactive orbitals. Here, we propose a computational method for correcting quantum computing results using a well-established classical theory called coupled cluster theory. Our approach efficiently extracts the quantum state from a quantum device by computational basis tomography. The extracted expansion coefficients of the quantum state are embedded into the coupled cluster ansatz within the framework of the tailored coupled cluster method. We demonstrate the performance of our method by verifying the potential energy curves of LiH, H2O, and N2 with a correlation-energy correction scheme. Our method demonstrates reasonable potential energy curves even when the standard coupled cluster fails. The sufficient numbers of measurements for tomography were also investigated. Furthermore, this method successfully estimated the activation energy of the Cope rearrangement reaction of 1,5-hexadiene together with perturbative triples correction. These demonstrations suggest that our approach has the potential for practical quantum chemical calculations using quantum computers. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Enhancing Molecular Energy Predictions with Physically Constrained Modifications to the Neural Network Potential.

Exclusively prioritizing the precision of energy prediction frequently proves inadequate in satisfying multifaceted requirements. A heightened focus is warranted on assessing the rationality of potential energy curves predicted by machine learning-based force fields (MLFFs), alongside evaluating the pragmatic utility of these MLFFs. This study introduces SWANI, an optimized neural network potential stemming from the ANI framework. Through the incorporation of supplementary physical constraints, SWANI aligns more cohesively with chemical expectations, yielding rational potential energy profiles. It also exhibits superior predictive precision compared with that of the ANI model. Additionally, a comprehensive comparison is conducted between SWANI and a prominent graph neural network-based model. The findings indicate that SWANI outperforms the latter, particularly for molecules exceeding the dimensions of the training set. This outcome underscores SWANI's exceptional capacity for generalization and its proficiency in handling larger molecular systems.

Theoretical MRCI + Q study on electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of the HX+(X = F, Cl, Br, I) cations

In this work, we have systematacially investigated the electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of the HX+ (X = F, Cl, Br, I) cations by using the highly correlated MRCI + Q approach. This is the first comprehensive ab initio study on the electronic states of the HX+ cations. The spin–orbit coupling (SOC) effect is introduced with the state interaction approach. There are total 10 Λ-S and 18 Ω states obtained in the calculation. The results show that the potential energy curves’ (PECs) shapes and structure of the electronic states of different HX+ cations exhibit the significant distinction due to the X-dependent energy-level order of the unique dissociation channel H+(1Sg) + X(2Pu). From PECs, the spectroscopic constants of the bound electronic states are determined, which are in good agreement with available observed values. Regarding HBr+ and HI+, the good agreement has been achieved only when the SOC effect is considered. The predissociation for the first excited A2Σ+ state of HCl+, HBr+, and HI+ is analyzed based on computed spin–orbit matrix elements. Around the equilibrium position, the energy splittings of X2Π are calculated to be 288, 661, 2691, and 5137 cm−1 for HF+, HCl+, HBr+, and HI+, respectively. It has been demonstrated that SOC is substantial for HX+, leading to significant changes in PECs’ shapes as well as in electronic structure. Finally, the transition properties are predicted, including transition dipole moments, Franck–Condon factors, and radiative lifetimes. Both the Ω transitions A2Σ+ 1/2-X2Π3/2 and A2Σ+ 1/2-X2Π1/2 of the HX+ cations are determined to possess the radiative lifetimes at the microsecond (µs) level.

Theoretical investigation on the “turn-on” mechanism of a novel fluorescent probe TB-N2H4: Twisted intramolecular charge transfer and excited-state dual proton transfer

The Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods are used to study the detection mechanism of the fluorescent probe TB-N2H4 and its product TB-OH in ethanol (EtOH) solvent. For the TB-N2H4, EtOH can form dual intermolecular hydrogen bonds (IHBs) with TB-N2H4 at two locations (X and Y). The geometric structure and charge distribution show that the TB-N2H4 undergoes a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) process, resulting in the fluorescence quenching of TB-N2H4. In contrast, for the TB-OH, EtOH can only form IHBs with TB-OH at one site (X). The charge distribution show that intramolecular charges redistributed between the proton donor and proton acceptor groups, providing the driving force for the proton transfer process. The TICT is inhibited by excited-state dual proton transfer (ESDPT) process of TB-OH, resulting in the appearance of new fluorescence. Moreover, the results obtained from the potential energy curves manifest that the stepwise ESDPT process.

An Intruder-Free Fock Space Coupled-Cluster Study of the Potential Energy Curves of LiMg+ within the (2,0) Sector.

The potential energy curves (PECs) and spectroscopic constants of the ground and excited states of a LiMg+ molecular cation were investigated. We obtained accurate results for the fifteen lowest-lying states of the LiMg+ cation using the Intermediate Hamiltonian Fock Space Multireference Coupled Cluster (IH-FS-CC) method applied to the (2,0) sector. Relativistic corrections were accounted for using the third-order Douglas-Kroll method. In each instance, smooth PECs were successfully computed across the entire range of interatomic distances from equilibrium to the dissociation limit. The results are in good accordance with previous studies of this molecular cation. Notably, this study marks the first application of IH-FS-CC in investigating a mixed alkali and alkaline earth molecular cation, proving its usability in determining accurate PECs of such diatomics and their spectroscopic constants.

Theoretical Insights into the Effect of Different Numbers of Thiophene Groups on Hydrogen Bond Interaction and Excited-State Intramolecular Proton-Transfer Process for Flavonoid Derivatives.

In this study, we systematically explored the impact of varying the number of thiophene groups on the hydrogen bond interaction and excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) processes in flavonoid derivatives (STF, DTF, and TTF) using the density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory methods. Initially, a thorough analysis of the optimized geometric structures revealed that the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the S1 state is enhanced and gradually weakened as the number of thiophene groups increases. To gain a deeper understanding of the hydrogen bond interaction, topological analysis, interaction region indicator scatter plots, and isosurface plots were employed. These images provide further insights that align with the structural analysis. Additionally, we observed a red-shift in the electronic spectra (absorption and fluorescence spectra), which is primarily attributed to the narrowing of the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, as elucidated by the frontier molecular orbitals. Furthermore, a combined analysis between the hole-electron distribution and the transition density matrix heat map shows that electron excitation involves the unidirectional charge-transfer mechanism. In the end, by conducting relaxed potential energy curve scans, we found that an increase in the number of thiophene groups elevates the energy barrier for ESIPT, making it more challenging for the reaction. In summary, our study underscores the vital effect of thiophene-substituted numbers in modulating the ESIPT process, which is able to provide valuable insights for the design and synthesis of desired organic fluorescent probes in the future.

Effects of triaxial deformation on the fission barrier in the Z = 118 − 120 nuclei* *Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12205076 and 12047504), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2020M670012), and the Launching Fund of Henan University of Technology (Grant No. 2021BS047).

By using potential energy surface (PES) calculations in the three-dimensional space (β 2, γ, β 4) within the framework of the macroscopic-microscopic model, the fission trajectory and fission barrier for Z = 118(Og), 119, 120 nuclei has been systematically investigated. The calculated PES includes macroscopic liquid-drop energy, microscopic shell correction and pairing correction. Taking the 294Og176 nucleus as an example, we discuss the next closed shell after Z = 82 and N = 126 with the calculated Woods–Saxon single-particle levels. Then, the results of PES in 294Og is illustrated from the (X, Y) scale to the (β 2, γ) scale. The γ degree of freedom reveals the shape evolution clearly during the fission process. The structure near the minimum and saddle point of the PES in the Z = 118, 119, 120 nuclei is demonstrated simultaneously. Based on the potential energy curves, general trends of the evolution of the fission barrier heights and widths are also studied. The triaxial deformation in these superheavy mass regions plays a vital role in the first fission barrier, showing a significant reduction in both triaxial paths. In addition, the model-dependent fission barriers of proton-rich nuclei 295Og, 296119, and 297120 are analyzed briefly. Our studies could be valuable for synthesizing the superheavy new elements in the forthcoming HIAF and other facilities.

Concerning for the solvent-polarity-dependent conformational equilibrium and ESIPT mechanism in Pz3HC system: A novel insight

In this report, we propose a new insight into the interaction between the solvent-polarity-dependent conformational equilibrium and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) behavior of Pz3HC system in four different polar solvents (polarity order: ACN > THF > TOL > CYC). Using quantum chemistry method, we first announce a coexistence mechanism between Pz3HC-1 and Pz3HC-3 in the ground state in four solvents based on the Boltzmann distribution. In particular, Pz3HC-1 is the principal configuration in non-polar solvent, but Pz3HC-3 is the principal configuration in polar solvent. In addition, the simulated fluorescence spectra interprets the negative solvatochromism effect of Pz3HC-1 and Pz3HC-3 in four solvents. The evidence from intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IHB) parameters and electronic perspective collectively confirms the light-induced IHB enhancement and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) properties in Pz3HC-1 and Pz3HC-3, which raises the likelihood of the ESIPT process. Combining the calculation of potential energy curve (PEC) and intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC), we demonstrate that the ESIPT ease of Pz3HC-1 in different polar solvents obeys the order of CYC > TOL > THF > ACN, while the order of ESIPT ease in Pz3HC-3 is opposite. Notably, the ESIPT process of Pz3HC-3 in CYC solvent is accompanied by the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) process. In addition, we also reveal that the enol* and keto* fluorescence peaks of Pz3HC-3 in CYC solvent are quenched by ISC and TICT process, respectively. Our work not only provides a satisfactory explanation of the novel dynamics mechanism for Pz3HC system, but also brings light to the design and application of new sensing molecules in the future.

Electronic structure, oscillator strength, and rovibrationally resolved photodissociation of 24MgH

Aims. A series of high-precision calculations for the electronic structure of MgH have been reported in the past two decades; however, most of them d not include the core-valence correlation and still exhibit distinct differences. Furthermore, the latest high-precision results have not been applied to the studies of photodissociation dynamics. The primary motivations of this paper are to calculate a more precise electronic structure of MgH consering a core-valence correlation and to prove the photodissociation cross-sections. Methods. The electronic structure of MgH is investigated by multi-reference configuration interaction calculations with Davson correction (MRCI+Q). We performed two different sets of calculations to investigate the core-valence correlation and, as a result, obtained accurate potential energy curves (PECs) and transition dipole moments (TDMs). An extrapolation procedure was also employed to eliminate the error of basis set. Then, the photodissociation cross-sections were calculated using high-precision PECs and TDMs. Results. The PECs and TDMs of the five lowest doublet electronic states, X2Σ+, B′2Σ+, E2Σ+, A2Π, and C2Π, are obtained from calculations including core-valence correlation, termed as CV-MRCI, while PECs of the ten lowest doublet states and three quartet states are also obtained from NCV-MRCI calculations without core-valence correlation. The spectroscopic constants and band oscillator strengths are also proved with high precision levels. The equilibrium Re and vertical excitation energy Te are only 0.1% different from the measurements. Based on the CV-MRCI results, the rovibrationally resolved photodissociation cross-sections for transitions from X2Σ+ to the other four states, as well as the total local thermodynamic equilibrium cross-sections for temperatures up to 10000 K, are calculated.

Inversion isomerism induced by the Pseudo Jahn-Teller Effect in X2CE molecules (X = H, F; E = O, S, Se) in their reduced and excited states

The pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect (PJTE) is employed to reveal the origin of molecular geometry changes induced by reduction and excitation, using a series of X2CE molecules (X = H, F, Cl; E = C, S, Se) as examples. Their nuclear configuration is planar with C 2v symmetry in the ground electronic state. However, when reduced, they acquire a nonplanar pyramidal structure with an elongated C-E bond in their ground and lowest excited electronic states 1A2 and 3A2. It is shown that these distortions are due to the PJT mixing of the reference electronic states with appropriate excited states via the b 1 vibrational mode. The PJTE is shown to reasonably parametrize the adiabatic potential energy curve ε(Qb 1) along the instability coordinate Qb 1.

Effect of different substituted groups on excited state intramolecular proton transfer of BOHMB

AbstractThe photophysical features of 3‐(benzo[d]oxazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxy benzaldehyde (BOHMB) were investigated through experimental (J. Phys. Chem. A 2019, 123, 10,246–10,253) and theoretical (Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 2022, 266, 120,406) methods. However, the effect of substituent groups on the excited state proton transfer process has not been studied. In this work, the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) dynamics and photophysical properties of BOHMB with different substituent groups were investigated by density‐functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods at CAM‐B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level. The primary parameters related to hydrogen bonding and infrared vibration frequency were obtained to understand the ESIPT properties of BOHMB derivatives. The results indicate that the excited‐state intramolecular hydrogen bond (ESIHB) strengthening behaviors, and the intramolecular hydrogen bond O1–H2···O3 for 1a in the S1 state is the strongest among BOHMB derivatives. From the calculated potential energy curves, it can be inferred that the substitution and position of NH2 and NO2 groups will regulate the excited‐state energy barrier and thus affect the ESIPT process. The molecular absorption peak and fluorescence peak are affected by different substituting groups and different positions.

The effect of the number of conjugated C=C bonds on the ESIPT and ICT reactions of SNCN derivatives

The electronic structure of the molecule is significantly influenced by the number of conjugated C=C bonds. In this work, the influence of the conjugated C=C bonds of the SNCN derivatives on the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) properties are studied by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The calculation level is proved to be reasonable by calculating electronic spectra. The hydrogen bond parameters, infrared vibrational frequency (IR), reduction density gradient (RDG) isosurface, topological analysis and potential energy curves of SNCN derivatives in ground state (S0) and the first excited state (S1) are analyzed. According to theoretical research results, ESIPT reaction has a higher likelihood of occurring in the S1 state. Moreover, the ESIPT reaction becomes more challenging to occur with the number of conjugated C=C bonds rising. Finally, the analyses of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), dipole moment and charge transfer transition confirm that the ICT effect is aided by the increased number of conjugated C=C bonds. This work indicates that the number of conjugated C=C bonds can regulate the ESIPT and ICT processes, which provides guidance for the study of fluorescent groups with similar characteristics.

Investigating the Photophysical Aspects of a Naphthalene-Based Excited-State Proton Transfer Dye 1-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol: pH-Dependent Modulation of Photodynamics.

The steady state and time-resolved photophysical behavior of a proton transfer dye 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol (H-BINO) was investigated. The excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction in H-BINO is predominant in nonpolar solutions (toluene and DCM) with a lifetime of ∼1.0 ns. However, in polar media (DMF and MeOH), the excited state photodynamics is characterized by a complex equilibrium of emission from the locally excited state (0.1-2.3 ns), the phototautomer (0.5-1.2 ns), and the anionic emission (2.1-5.4 ns). In the solid state, emission from the various aggregated states dictates the photobehavior. Interestingly, the photodynamics in aqueous solution changes starkly as a function of pH with the anionic (2.1 ns) and phototautomeric (0.5-1.0 ns) emissions guiding the photodynamics as the pH of the medium increases. Optimized structural parameters at the proton donor and acceptor sites for the enol and keto forms and the calculated potential energy curve along the proton transfer coordinate at the density functional theory (DFT) level with the B3LYP/6-311G++(d,p) theory support a favorable and barrierless ESIPT process. The current results will surely boost the ongoing research on small molecule emissive materials.

Fluorescent response mechanism based on ESIPT and TICT of novel probe H2QJI: A TD-DFT investigation

Recently, synthesized N-linked-disalicylaldehyde H2QJI probes have been used to detect heavy metal ions in the experiment conveniently. Nevertheless, there needs to be a more in-depth examination of the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism and photophysical properties of the probe. This work remedied it based on quantum chemistry calculations. We contained due hydrogen bond (O1-H2 ⋯ N3 and O4-H5 ⋯ O6) and then analyzed bond parameters, IR vibration spectra, and non-covalent interaction. The bond strength is enhanced under photoexcitation, and the former is significantly stronger. The calculated electron spectra are in agreement with the experimental values. The results of the S0 and S1 potential energy curves and IRC calculations also confirm the unique ESIPT behavior, which isan excited stated stepwise double proton transfer. The fluorescence, internal conversion, and intersystem crossing rate of KD molecules (twisted-, double proton transfer) were calculated respectively to reveal the radiative and non-radiative pathways. It proved that the corresponding spectra are not obtained since the electrons are mainly deactivated by the ISC (S1->T1). Furthermore, the interfragment charge transfer (IFCT) approach indicates that the molecule possesses twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) characteristics, which lead to the quenching of fluorescence introduction.

Quantum calculation of the pressure broadening of H and K lines of Ca+ calcium ion in a gaz of ground-state He helium atoms

In this theoretical study, we have conducted calculations to investigate the pressure broadening of the H ( 4 s 2 S 1 / 2 − 4 p 2 P 1 / 2 ) and the K ( 4 s 2 S 1 / 2 − 4 p 2 P 3 / 2 ) lines of the Ca + calcium ion in a gas of ground-state He helium atoms. The focus of our work is to determine the profiles of the pressure-broadened resonance lines and analyse their behaviour under the influence of binary collisions between Ca + ions and He atoms. To achieve this, we constructed accurate potential energy curves for the ground X 2 Σ 1 / 2 + and the excited D 2 Π 1 / 2 , D 2 Π 3 / 2 and E 2 Σ 1 / 2 + states. Additionally, we constructed the corresponding transition dipole moments based on the data obtained through high-level ab initio methods, including SA-CASSCF, MRCI, and SO coupling, with Davidson and BSSE corrections. The study spans a range of temperatures from 4000 K to 12,000 K and wavelengths from 200 nm to 500 nm . The theoretical profile is characterised by dominant free-free transitions. In the vicinity of the 436 nm wavelength position, there is a satellite peak in the red wing, attributed to the contribution of D 2 Π 1 / 2 ⟵ X 2 Σ 1 / 2 + and D 2 Π 3 / 2 ⟵ X 2 Σ 1 / 2 + transitions. Our findings are in good agreement with previous theoretical results.

Influence of atomic electronegativity on ESIPT behaviour for the BTDI and its derivatives: Theoretical exploration

In this work, we theoretically explored the influence of atomic electronegativity on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) behavior among novel fluorescent probes BTDI and its derivatives (BODI and BSeDI). A thorough examination of the optimized structural parameters and infrared vibrational spectra reveals an enhancement in intramolecular hydrogen bonding within BTDI and its derivatives upon light excitation. This finding is further reinforced by topological analysis and interaction region indicator scatter plots, which underscores the sensitivity of atomic electronegativity to variations in hydrogen bonding strength. With regards to absorption and fluorescence spectra, the decrease in atomic electronegativity leads to a pronounced redshift, primarily attributed to the narrowing of the energy gap. Additionally, an analysis of potential energy curves and the exploration of intrinsic reaction coordinate paths based on transition state structures afford a deeper understanding of the mechanism underlying ESIPT and being modulated through the manipulation of atomic electronegativity. We anticipate that this work on atomic electronegativity regulating ESIPT behavior will serve as a catalyst for novel fluorescent probes in the future, offering fresh perspectives and insights.