Structure of alkali dimers at the surface of liquid helium

F. Ancilotto, M. W. Cole, G. DeToffol, P. B. Lerner, F. Toigo

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Abstract

Calculations are presented of the equilibrium configuration ("dimple") of a Na2 or Li2 molecule absorbed on the surface of liquid3H e or liquid4He. The computed aimer binding energies are somewhat greater than those of the monomers. The lowest energy occurs when the molecule lies flat, but the energy in the erect orientation is only ∼ 1K higher (implying relatively free rotation). The center of mass lies ∼ 4Åabove the liquid surface and the dimple has a depth ∼ 3Å. An exceptional case is Li2 on liquid3H e, for which the surface state is unstable relative to solvation in the bulk.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)325-330
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Low Temperature Physics
Volume101
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1995

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • General Materials Science

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