Science
Researchers image three-dimensional quantum shape of organic molecule using laboratory setup
University of Göttingen scientists combined photoelectron spectroscopy, soft X-ray light pulses, and updated algorithms to reconstruct a molecular orbital in high detail.
The short version
- University of Göttingen researchers created a complete 3D image of a nanometer-sized organic molecule's electron wavefunction.
- The process combined photoelectron spectroscopy with redesigned algorithms and a lab-based soft X-ray light source, resolving details smaller than carbon-atom spacing.
- The laboratory setup bypasses the need for large synchrotron facilities and could eventually allow scientists to capture ultrafast molecular changes as femtosecond-scale videos.
Key facts
- Researchers at the University of Göttingen successfully reconstructed the complete 3D molecular orbital of a nanometer-sized organic molecule.[ScienceDaily]
- The imaging approach combined photoelectron spectroscopy, redesigned computer algorithms, and a laboratory-based soft X-ray light source.[ScienceDaily]
- The technique resolved features smaller than the distance between carbon atoms in the molecule.[ScienceDaily]
- The study's findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- It remains to be seen whether the technique can be successfully applied to record stroboscopic 3D videos of wavefunctions evolving on femtosecond timescales.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
- Scientists just imaged the hidden quantum shape of a moleculeScienceDaily - Science