Why does vibrational relaxation occur.

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SUMMARY

Vibrational relaxation occurs when an excited molecule, such as a water molecule excited by a photon at 3200 1/cm, transitions from its excited state to lower energy states, including bending, rotational, or translational modes. This process is influenced by the coupling of the excited mode with the surrounding bath of molecules, leading to a linear combination of eigenstates rather than a true eigenstate. The Bixon-Jortner model provides a framework for understanding this decay process and is recommended for further study.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vibrational modes in molecular systems
  • Familiarity with photon-molecule interactions
  • Knowledge of eigenstates and their significance in quantum mechanics
  • Basic comprehension of the Bixon-Jortner model
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Bixon-Jortner model in detail to understand vibrational relaxation
  • Explore the implications of linear combinations of eigenstates in quantum systems
  • Research photon-molecule interaction mechanisms and their effects on molecular dynamics
  • Examine the role of molecular baths in energy dissipation processes
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in physical chemistry, quantum mechanics students, and professionals studying molecular dynamics and energy transfer processes will benefit from this discussion.

DinosaurChemi
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Take the case of a bath/system of water. A photon of light is allowed to interact with one molecule of water giving it let's say 3200 1/cm exciting a "symmetric" stretch or some normal mode of the system similar to a symmetric stretch. The molecule will begin to vibrate but as time goes on this state which is excited will decay into either the bend, rotations or translations of the bath (i.e. the bath being everything but the excited stretch). Why does the relaxation occurs. I understand that due to coupling of the system (excited mode) with the bath I will be faced with a excitation of a linear combination of eigenstate for my system and not a true eigenstate since i have brought all these water molecules together. Is there even a way to excite a true eigenstate in such a situation? I guess I am looking for a physical understanding of the decay.
 
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