Researchers record unpublished images of two atoms forming molecule

A group of scientists at the University of Ohio managed to record images of the exact moment when two atoms came together to form a molecule. To illuminate this reaction, the energy generated by a single electron was used.

According to information published on the university's website, scientists applied ultra-fast laser vibrations to move the electron from one of its atoms in their natural orbit, just as the two particles were coming together. Upon returning to its orbit, the electron emitted an energy signal, which was reflected around the forming molecule, as if it were the flash of a camera.

According to the researchers, this achievement is important not only for allowing the observation of chemical reactions at the moment they are happening, but also for offering the possibility of controlling them on an atomic scale.

“Through these experiments, we realize that we can control the path of the electron when it returns to the molecule by adjusting the vibration of the laser that moves this particle. The next step will be to try to move the electron exactly as necessary to actually control a chemical reaction, ”said Louis DiMauro, professor of physics and one of those responsible for the experiment.