Tracking the Complex Dynamics of Electron-Transfer-Mediated Decay in Real Space and Time

Journal of the American Chemical Society 2026 Open access

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Authors: Florian Trinter, Jaroslav Hofierka, J. Rist, M. Kircher, Miriam Weller, N. Melzer, Dimitrios Tsitsonis, Angelina Geyer, Jan Kruse, Gregor Kastirke, Joshua Williams, Tsveta Miteva
+6 more R. Dörner, Markus S Schöffler, M. Kunitski, Nicolas Sisourat, Lorenz S Cederbaum, T. Jahnke
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c15510
Cited by: 1
References: 56

Abstract

decay channels, nuclear dynamics play a crucial role as they have a direct impact on the decay efficiency itself. Here, we present a detailed study of the electron-transfer-mediated decay in a loosely bound triatomic prototype system, combining experimental results from a 5-fold coincidence measurement and theoretical modeling of the decay process. Depending on the decay time, we find that certain classes of molecular geometries are favored for this type of decay. Our findings provide an intuitive picture of how electron-transfer-mediated decay proceeds. In particular, our results confirm a roaming-like behavior of the atoms of the trimer prior to its decay. Our combined theoretical and experimental approach enables a comprehensive tracing of the real-space properties of the decaying system in the time domain.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures Photochemistry and Electron Transfer Studies Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
148
Issue
4
Pages
4126–4135
Publication date
22 January 2026
Language
EN