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Imaging and control of interfering wave packets in a dissociating molecule
Esben Skovsen1, Mette Machholm, Tine Ejdrup
1Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Arhus, DK-8000 Arhus C, Denmark.
Physical Review Letters
|September 13, 2002
Summary
Researchers controlled molecular wave function shapes in I2 using two laser pulses. Strong interference patterns were observed and manipulated by adjusting the phase difference between the pulses, matching theoretical calculations.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Quantum Dynamics
- Molecular Spectroscopy
Background:
- Investigating molecular dissociation dynamics is crucial for understanding chemical reactions.
- Wave packet dynamics provide insights into the time-evolution of molecules during dissociation.
- Controlling quantum phenomena in molecules is a key goal in physical chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the wave packet dynamics during the dissociation of I2 molecules.
- To measure and analyze the interference patterns in the molecular wave function.
- To demonstrate control over molecular wave function shapes using phase-controlled laser pulses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing two identical 110 femtosecond optical pulses to initiate dissociation in I2.
- Employing an intense 20 femtosecond probe pulse for ionization.
- Measuring the square of the wave function as a function of internuclear separation and velocity.
Main Results:
- Observed strong interference in both the internuclear separation and velocity wave functions.
- Demonstrated that the interference patterns are controllable via the phase difference of the dissociation pulses.
- Experimental results showed good agreement with theoretical calculations.
Conclusions:
- The phase difference between initiating laser pulses effectively controls molecular wave function shapes.
- Interference patterns in dissociative wave packets can be precisely manipulated.
- This study validates theoretical models of quantum control in molecular dissociation.