Coherent control of reactive scattering at low temperatures: Signatures of quantum interference in the differential cross sections for F + H2 and F + HD

Abstract

Fundamental entanglement related challenges have prevented quantum interference-based control (i.e. coherent control) of collisional cross sections from being implemented in the laboratory. Here, differential cross sections for reactive scattering at low temperatures are shown to provide a unique opportunity to display such interference-based control by forming coherent superpositions of degenerate rotational states of reactant molecules |jm with different m. In particular, we identify and quantify a unique signature of coherent control in reactive scattering with applications to F + H2 → H + HF and HF + D ← F + HD → HD + F at 11 K. Control is shown to be extensive.