Brute Force Orientation of Matrix-Isolated Molecules: Reversible Reorientation of Formaldehyde in an Argon Matrix toward Perfect Alignment

Brute force orientation by an electric field is a promising way of controlling the orientation of polar molecules in the gas phase, but its application to condensed-phase molecules has been very limited. We studied the reorientation of formaldehyde molecules in a solid Ar matrix under the influence of a strong electric field using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy. Asymptotically perfect alignment of the formaldehyde molecules along the field was achieved at field strengths exceeding 1 x 10(8) Vm(-1). The vibrational bands of the aligned molecules exhibited a unidirectional Stark shift proportional to the field strength. The reorientation of the molecules was reversible despite the cryogenic solid environment of the system.