Control of electron localization in molecular dissociation

Area of Science:

• Quantum dynamics
• Molecular physics
• Attosecond science

Background:

• Controlling electron motion is crucial for understanding and manipulating chemical reactions.
• Ultrafast laser pulses offer potential for precise control over electron dynamics.
• Molecular dissociation dynamics are complex and influenced by electronic motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate subcycle control of bound electron motion in molecules.
• To investigate light-driven intramolecular electronic motion during dissociative ionization.
• To explore the potential for controlling molecular reaction dynamics using ultrafast light fields.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing intense, ultrashort laser pulses to interact with deuterium molecules (D2).
• Analyzing the dissociative ionization pathway (D2 --> D+ + D) via fragment detection.
• Observing asymmetric ejection of ionic fragments as an indicator of electron localization.

Main Results:

• Subcycle electric field evolution of light was used to steer bound electrons.
• Asymmetric ionic fragment ejection confirmed controlled electron localization before dissociation.
• Demonstrated light-induced intramolecular electronic motion in D2.

Conclusions:

• Subfemtosecond electron control is achievable in molecules.
• This technique offers a novel pathway for controlling chemical reaction dynamics.
• Precise control over electron localization can dictate molecular fragmentation outcomes.