Strange Polarity Among Atoms (2 of 2) (IMAGE)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Strange Polarity Among Atoms (2 of 2)

Caption

Electron density in a homonuclear molecule which behaves like a polar dimer molecule. The size of this molecule is more than 1000 times larger than usual molecules. This paper reports on the surprising discovery of these molecules in an ultracold gas of Rubidium atoms, having a significant permanent electric dipole moment. This dipole moment is manifest as the localization of electron density near the top, giving the molecule charge density the appearance of a trilobite fossil. This image relates to a paper that appeared in the Nov. 25, 2011, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The paper, by W. Li of University of Nottingham in Nottingham, UK, and colleagues, was titled, “A Homonuclear Molecule with a Permanent Electric Dipole Moment.”

Credit

Image ©<i>Science</i>/AAAS

Usage Restrictions

Please cite the owner of the image when publishing. This image may be freely used by reporters as part of news coverage, with proper attribution. Non-reporters must contact <i>Science</i> for permission.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.