How would one collapse a molecular wavefunction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on collapsing the nuclear spin wavefunction \(\psi_{nucspin}\) in NMR by applying the magnetic moment operator \(\mu\), which transforms \(\psi_{nucspin}\) into one of its eigenfunctions. This process involves using photons in the radiofrequency range. Additionally, the Born-Oppenheimer approximation is highlighted, indicating that the molecular wavefunction \(\Psi_{molecule}\) is a product of electronic and nuclear components, with \(\psi_{nucspin}\) being part of \(\psi_{nuclear}\). The conversation also raises questions about collapsing other components like \(\psi_{nucrotation}\) and the necessary frequencies for photon interaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and wavefunctions
  • Knowledge of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation
  • Basic concepts of photon interaction with molecular states
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  • Research the application of the magnetic moment operator in NMR
  • Study the principles of wavefunction collapse in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the energy levels and photon interactions in molecular vibrations
  • Explore techniques for calculating vibrational state transitions in molecules
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Students and researchers in quantum chemistry, physicists specializing in NMR, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of molecular wavefunction manipulation.

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In NMR for molecules, one can collapse the nuclear spin wavefunction [tex]\psi_{nucspin}[/tex] by applying the magnetic moment operator [tex]\mu[/tex]. That is, [tex]\psi_{nucspin}[/tex] becomes one of the eigenfunctions of [tex]\mu[/tex]. This physically corresponds to hitting the nuclei with photons in the radiofrequency range.

In the Born-Oppenheimer approximation:
[tex]\Psi_{molecule}\approx \psi_{electron} \psi_{nuclear}[/tex]

Clearly [tex]\psi_{nucspin}[/tex] is one component of [tex]\psi_{nuclear}[/tex], there are other components of [tex]\psi_{nuclear}[/tex] such as [tex]\psi_{nucrotation},\psi_{nucvibration}[/tex], etc.

That is,
[tex]\psi_{nuclear}=f( \psi_{nucrotation},\psi_{nucvibration},\psi_{nucspin})[/tex]

So which operators would I use to collapse [tex]\psi_{nucrotation}[/tex]? What frequency of light would I need?

How do I even go about calculating something like this?
 
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Definitely not an expert on NMR, but I would possibly think that you would just send photons of the same energy as the energy gap between vibrational states. Isn't this the only frequency at which the photon will interact with the molecules vibrational states and therefore cause a wave function collapse?
 

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