How researchers tell different quantum excitations apart in individual molecules

Molecules can be placed in a wide variety of quantum states. How can these states be distinguished in measurements when theoretical models are unreliable? Which excitation process lies behind which measurement signal? These were precisely the questions facing Dr. Arnab Banerjee when he investigated individual cobaltocene molecules using tunneling spectroscopy. The measured spectra showed a confusing variety of excitations.

Molecules can be placed in a wide variety of quantum states.

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