State to State to State Dynamics of the D + H_2 → HD + H Reaction: Control of Transition-State Pathways via Reagent Orientation

摘要

The influence of reagent rotation on the dynamics of the D + H_2 → HD + H reaction is studied. The state-resolved differential cross section is measured using the Rydberg-atom scheme in a crossed beam experiment. It is found that the H_2 rotation has a strong influence on the results. This effect was traced to the selection of the quantum bottleneck states through reagent orientation, thus suggesting a novel strategy to control the transition-state pathways in direct chemical reactions.