The subtle interactions between atomic nuclei and magnetic fields profoundly influence molecular spectra, and understanding these effects is crucial for interpreting astronomical observations and refining chemical models. D. P. Usov, Y. S. Kozhedub, and A. V. Stolyarov, alongside colleagues L. V. Skripnikov, V. M. Shabaev, and I. I. Tupitsyn, have performed the most accurate theoretical calculations to date of magnetic hyperfine structure in the hydroxyl radical and its isotopic variants. Their work employs a sophisticated relativistic coupled-cluster method, accounting for the complex interplay between electrons and nuclei, to predict the magnetic interactions with unprecedented precision. The resulting data not only matches existing spectroscopic measurements with remarkable accuracy, but also extends the range of applicability to higher energy levels, providing a robust foundation for analysing complex molecular spectra in diverse environments and improving our understanding of chemical processes in space and on Earth.
Relativistic Hyperfine Structure of Hydroxyl Radical
Scientists performed detailed calculations of the magnetic hyperfine structure of hydroxyl radical, examining different forms of the molecule. The research team employed a relativistic coupled-cluster method, a highly accurate quantum-chemical approach, to investigate how the magnetic properties change with the distance between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. These calculations considered the interactions of both oxygen and hydrogen nuclei, providing a comprehensive analysis of nuclear interactions within the molecule. The team also calculated the hyperfine structure for an excited electronic state, extending the investigation beyond the ground state. By incorporating excitations up to the triple level, the calculations achieved exceptional accuracy and established a benchmark for future studies of this important molecule.
Hyperfine Constants for Atmospheric Hydroxyl Radical
This research details highly accurate calculations of hyperfine structure constants for hydroxyl radical, a crucial molecule in atmospheric chemistry. Accurate knowledge of these constants is essential for interpreting spectroscopic data, improving atmospheric models, and studying the molecule in astrophysical environments. The team employed relativistic coupled cluster theory and extensive basis sets to accurately describe the electronic structure of hydroxyl radical, accounting for relativistic effects important for light elements like oxygen. The results provide accurate values for hyperfine constants associated with both the proton and oxygen nucleus, showing good agreement with experimental measurements. This work advances our understanding of hydroxyl radical and its role in atmospheric processes.
Hydroxyl Radical Hyperfine Structure Calculated Accurately
Scientists achieved highly accurate calculations of the magnetic dipole hyperfine structure constant for hydroxyl radical, examining the molecule over a range of distances between its constituent atoms. The research team employed a four-component relativistic coupled-cluster method, incorporating triple excitations to achieve exceptional accuracy and determine the contributions from both oxygen and hydrogen nuclei to the hyperfine structure. The results demonstrate excellent agreement between the calculated hyperfine structure functions and semiempirical data derived from high-resolution spectroscopy. The teamβs calculations extend the range of distances over which hyperfine structure curves are defined, providing a robust foundation for accurately modelling higher vibrational levels of hydroxyl radical.
Hydroxyl Radical Hyperfine Structure Calculated Accurately
This research presents highly accurate calculations of the magnetic hyperfine structure for hydroxyl radical, a crucial molecule in atmospheric chemistry and astrophysics. By employing a sophisticated coupled-cluster method, including comprehensive treatment of triple excitations, the team has generated data that closely match existing experimental results, revealing changes in electronic structure as the distance between oxygen and hydrogen atoms varies. The consistency between calculations using optimized and extrapolated basis sets validates the accuracy of the computational approach, advancing our understanding of hydroxyl radical and its role in atmospheric and astrophysical processes.
π More information
π A relativistic coupled-cluster treatment of magnetic hyperfine structure of the and states of OH isotopologues
π§ ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.20522