title: Amplification of impulsively excited molecular rotational coherence.
abstract: We propose a scheme for preparation of high-coherence molecular dynamics which are phase stable with respect to ultrashort pulses. We experimentally demonstrate an example of this scheme using a phase-independent, nanosecond-duration, pump pulse to prepare a rotational coherence in molecular hydrogen. This rotational coherence is made phase stable with respect to a separate source of ultrashort pulses by seeding. The coherence is used to generate spectral broadening of femtosecond probe radiation by molecular phase modulation.
authors.affiliation: Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Philip J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bustard
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Sussman
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Walmsley