Stopping a vibrational wave packet with laser-induced dipole forces.
Intense near-infrared laser pulses can generate laser-induced dipole forces that are strong enough to influence or control vibrational motion of a small molecule. Generally, the force acts to pull the molecule apart. Our numerical simulations show that, by applying the laser-induced dipole force at an appropriate time within one vibrational period, the wave packet motion of H+2 or D+2 can be accelerated or decelerated. Using the wave packet formed by the rapid ionization of H2 or D2, we also show that it is possible to move the vibrational population almost entirely to the v=0 state. Coherent cooling of the molecular vibrational motion can be achieved.
Niikura
Hiromichi
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National Research Council of Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6. Hiromichi.Niikura@nrc.ca
Villeneuve
D M
DM
Corkum
P B
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