Statistical Correlation Between Quantum Entanglement and Spin–Orbit Coupling in Crossed Beam Molecular Dynamics

Abstract

Non-classical features like interference are already being harnessed to control the output of chemical reactions. However, quantum entanglement which is an equally enigmatic many-body quantum correlation can also be used as a powerful resource yet has eluded explicit attention. In this report, an experimental scheme under the crossed beam molecular dynamical setup, with the F + HD reaction, is proposed aiming to study the possible influence of entanglement within reactant pairs on the angular features of the product distribution. The aforesaid reaction has garnered interest recently, as an unusual horseshoe shape pattern in the product (HF) distribution was observed, which has been attributed to the coupling of spin and orbital degrees of freedom. An experimental scheme is proposed aiming to study the possible influence of entanglement on the necessity for the inclusion of such spin–orbit characteristics, under circumstances wherein the existence of entanglement and spin–orbit interaction is simultaneously detectable. The attainable results are further numerically simulated highlighting specific patterns corresponding to various possibilities. Finally, such studies if extended can provide unforeseen mechanistic insight into analogous reactions, too, from the lens of quantum information.