Probing intermolecular communication via lattice phonons with time-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering†

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Abstract
Calculations are presented demonstrating controlled intermolecular communication between dopant molecules via lattice phonons in a cryogenic matrix. By simulating a time-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (tr-CARS) experiment on an I2-molecule ‘receiver,’ its reception from a Ca-atom ‘transmitter’ of coherent lattice waves in a compressed linear chain of Ar atoms is monitored. A short pulse resonant with an atomic transition in Ca arrives at the sample before the tr-CARS pulses, and the coherent response of the host medium to the electronic excitation sends a rarefaction wave through the lattice. The arrival of this propagating distortion at the I2 molecule is detected through the tr-CARS difference signal, the difference between tr-CARS signals with and without the Ca pulse. A normal-mode analysis of the equilibrium configuration is used to construct an initial Gaussian wave packet, which is propagated by locally quadratic approximations to the relevant many-body nuclear Hamiltonians. Results are presented for both resonant and sub-resonant excitation of the Ca atom. Calculations show a difference signal that turns on abruptly as the lattice wave generated by resonant Ca excitation reaches the I2 chromophore.