Speaker
Dr
Robert Wild
(Universität Innsbruck)
Description
Quantum tunneling reactions can play a significant role in chemistry, and hydrogenic systems allow for first-principles calculations. The rate of the tunneling reaction H$^2$ + D$^- \rightarrow$ HD + H$^-$, for which the collision complex is closely related to the H$^-_3$ anion, has been calculated but has lacked verification. Here we present high-sensitivity measurements of the reaction rate carried out in a cryogenic 22-pole ion trap. We model the effect of a high-energy tail in the velocity distribution to investigate its influence on the reaction rate. Our measured value agrees with quantum tunneling calculations, serving as a benchmark for molecular theory.
Author
Dr
Robert Wild
(Universität Innsbruck)
Co-authors
Mr
Markus Nötzold
(Universität Innsbruck)
Mr
Malcolm Simpson
(Universität Innsbruck)
Prof.
Roland Wester
(Universität Innsbruck)
