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Stopping a vibrational wave packet with laser-induced dipole forces
Hiromichi Niikura1, D M Villeneuve, P B Corkum
1National Research Council of Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6. Hiromichi.Niikura@nrc.ca
Physical Review Letters
|April 20, 2004
Summary
Intense laser pulses can control molecular vibrations. This study demonstrates accelerating, decelerating, and cooling molecular wave packets, even preparing them in the lowest vibrational state.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Molecular Dynamics
- Quantum Control
Background:
- Intense laser pulses can induce dipole forces in molecules.
- These forces are capable of influencing molecular vibrational motion.
- Previous understanding suggests these forces typically cause molecular dissociation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the control of molecular vibrational motion using laser-induced dipole forces.
- To explore the manipulation of wave packet motion in diatomic molecular ions.
- To determine if vibrational cooling to the ground state is achievable.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of laser-matter interactions.
- Application of laser-induced dipole forces at specific times within a vibrational period.
- Utilizing wave packets generated by rapid ionization of H2 and D2 molecules.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated acceleration and deceleration of wave packet motion in H+2 and D+2 ions.
- Achieved significant population transfer to the lowest vibrational state (v=0).
- Showcased the potential for coherent vibrational cooling.
Conclusions:
- Laser-induced dipole forces offer a viable method for controlling molecular vibrations.
- Precise timing of laser pulses enables manipulation of vibrational states.
- Coherent cooling of molecular vibrations is attainable, paving the way for quantum control applications.