title: Brute Force Orientation of Matrix-Isolated Molecules: Reversible Reorientation of Formaldehyde in an Argon Matrix toward Perfect Alignment.
abstract: Brute force orientation by an electric field is a promising way of controlling the orientation of polar molecules in the gas phase, but its application to condensed-phase molecules has been very limited. We studied the reorientation of formaldehyde molecules in a solid Ar matrix under the influence of a strong electric field using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy. Asymptotically perfect alignment of the formaldehyde molecules along the field was achieved at field strengths exceeding 1×108V m-1. The vibrational bands of the aligned molecules exhibited a unidirectional Stark shift proportional to the field strength. The reorientation of the molecules was reversible despite the cryogenic solid environment of the system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Youngwook
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Heon
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7530-4100
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kang
keywords: IR spectroscopy; argon matrix; electric fields; formaldehyde; molecular orientation