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November 19th, 2007
Molecular chords
Abstract:
In terms of physics, there is hardly any difference between the resonance in a molecule and a musical chord. Both are created when vibrations with different frequencies overlap. In music, it is the notes that make up the chord. In molecules, these frequencies are also called quantum states. Working with a theory group from Kansas State University, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics have for the first time determined the quantum states of a tiny hydrogen molecule. Instead of employing their faculty of hearing to do this, they needed ultrashort laser pulses lasting only a millionth of a billionth of second. They also made the molecular resonance audible to illustrate the results. These results mean that they are a step closer to being able to manipulate chemical reactions with laser pulses (" Complete Characterization of Molecular Dynamics in Ultrashort Laser Fields").
Source:
nanowerk.com
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