Microwaves’ non-thermal effects on a chemical reaction demonstrated for first time
By 
Tim Wogan2025-04-22T09:00:00
Molecular beam experiments shift reaction rate by manipulating reactant’s quantum state
A low-temperature chemical reaction between helium ions and carbon monoxide can be slowed by microwave excitation of the carbon monoxide, researchers in Switzerland have shown. The result shows that microwaves can have non-thermal effects on chemical reaction rates, and could be important in astrochemistry.