Solid<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><mml:mi mathvariant="italic">para</mml:mi></mml:math>-hydrogen as the paradigmatic quantum crystal: Three observables probed by ultrahigh-resolution neutron spectroscopy

Abstract

Quantum crystals are characterized by zero-point-energy motions large enough to explore the details of the interaction potential beyond the harmonic approximation even at zero temperature. By making recourse to ultrahigh-resolution neutron spectroscopy, we have probed simultaneously three observables sensitive to anharmonic effects in solid para-H${}_{2}$ over a wide temperature range, namely, Bragg scattering, molecular root-mean-square displacements, and the spectral linewidth of the $J=0\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ 1 rotational transition which, on average, amounts to a half-width at half-maximum of $1.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ $\ensuremath{\mu}$eV. These three quantities show no measurable variation with temperature, thus signaling the existence of a fully expanded crystal across the entire solid phase. Our results provide unambiguous experimental evidence for the intrinsic quantum character of this fundamental molecular solid.