Stabilization of molecular atoms

We demonstrate the possibility of stabilizing the motion of ion-pair states through the use of external electric and magnetic fields. In conjunction with the Coulomb force, these fields can be engineered so as to lead to the creation of outer equilibrium points which can support non-spreading coherent wavepackets and long-lived states. Specific application is made to the H(+)-H- ion pair, recently investigated using threshold ion-pair production spectroscopy (TIPPS).