Roton-Rotation Coupling of Acetylene in ${}^4$He

Abstract

Rotational absorption spectra of acetylene in superfluid ${}^4$He are calculated using a combined correlated basis function-diffusion Monte Carlo method (CBF/DMC) as well as a numerically exact path integral correlation function approach (PICF). Both approaches predict anomalously large distortion constants in addition to reduced rotational constants, and the higher rotational excitations are seen to be accompanied by an additional peak and absorption band. The CBF analysis shows that these phenomena are due to strong coupling of the higher rotational states with the roton and maxon excitations of ${}^4$He, and the assocated divergence of the helium density of states in this region.

4 pages, 2 figures