TY  - JOUR
A1  - Schreck, Simon
A1  - Pietzsch, Annette
A1  - Kennedy, Brian
A1  - Sathe, Conny
A1  - Miedema, Piter S.
A1  - Techert, Simone
A1  - Strocov, Vladimir N.
A1  - Schmitt, Thorsten
A1  - Hennies, Franz
A1  - Rubensson, Jan-Erik
A1  - Föhlisch, Alexander
T1  - Ground state potential energy surfaces around selected atoms from resonant inelastic x-ray scattering
JF  - Scientific reports
N2  - Thermally driven chemistry as well as materials’ functionality are determined by the potential energy surface of a systems electronic ground state. This makes the potential energy surface a central and powerful concept in physics, chemistry and materials science. However, direct experimental access to the potential energy surface locally around atomic centers and to its long-range structure are lacking. Here we demonstrate how sub-natural linewidth resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering at vibrational resolution is utilized to determine ground state potential energy surfaces locally and detect long-range changes of the potentials that are driven by local modifications. We show how the general concept is applicable not only to small isolated molecules such as O2 but also to strongly interacting systems such as the hydrogen bond network in liquid water. The weak perturbation to the potential energy surface through hydrogen bonding is observed as a trend towards softening of the ground state potential around the coordinating atom. The instrumental developments in high resolution resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering are currently accelerating and will enable broad application of the presented approach. With this multidimensional potential energy surfaces that characterize collective phenomena such as (bio)molecular function or high-temperature superconductivity will become accessible in near future.
Y1  - 2016
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1038/srep20054
SN  - 2045-2322
VL  - 6
PB  - Nature Publ. Group
CY  - London
ER  -