Resonant Inelastic Scattering Spectra of Free Molecules with Vibrational Resolution

Abstract

Inelastic x-ray scattering spectra excited at the $1{s}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{*}$ resonance of gas phase ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ have been recorded with an overall energy resolution that allows for well-resolved vibrational progressions. The nuclear wave packet dynamics in the intermediate state is reflected in vibrational excitations of the electronic ground state, and by fine-tuning the excitation energy the dissociation dynamics in the predissociative ${B}^{\ensuremath{'}}\text{ }^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{g}$ final state is controlled.