Probing state-to-state reaction dynamics using H-atom Rydberg tagging time-of-flight spectroscopy

Abstract

In the last decade or so, the H-atom Rydberg tagging time-of-flight (HRTOF) technique has made a significant impact in the study of state-to-state reaction dynamics, and especially in the study of transition state dynamics of elementary chemical reactions and quantum state resolved dynamics of molecular photodissociation of important molecules. In this perspective, we will discuss mainly the state-to-state dynamics of three important elementary reactions: H + H₂, O(¹D) + H₂ and F + H₂ that have been studied in our laboratory in recent years using the HRTOF method. In addition, we will also mention briefly the experimental results of other reactive systems. In the end, we will also present a brief research outlook in the study of molecular reaction dynamics using this powerful experimental method.