Lifetime of a Chemically Bound Helium Compound

摘要: The rare-gas atoms are chemically inert, to an extent unique among all elements. This is due the stable electronic structure of atoms. Stable molecules with bound are, however, known. A first such compound, XePtF6, W2S prepared in 1962 and since then a range containing radon, xenon krypton have been obtained. Most recently, compound argon was prepared, leaving neon helium as only elements for which not yet Electronic calculations predict that metastable species HHeF exists, but significance result depends on unknown lifetime. Here we report quantum dynamics lifetime HHeF, using accurate interactions computed from theory. shown disintegrate by tunneling through energy barriers into He + HF H F channel greatly dominating. more than 120 picoseconds, DHeF 14 nanoseconds. relatively long lifetimes encouraging preparation prospects this compound.