Imaging the time-dependent structure of a molecule as it undergoes dynamics

Abstract

We image the dynamics of diatomic and triatomic molecules with sub-5fs and sub-A resolution using laser Coulomb explosion imaging with 8fs pulses. We obtain image information by measuring the vector momenta of all atomic ions produced by explosion of a single molecule. We image vibrating D2+ and of dissociating SO22+ and SO23+. Images taken at 0 and 60fs show that the dissociation of SO22+ produces an SO+ rotational wave packet. © 2005 The American Physical Society.