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Coherent control of collision processes: Penning versus associative ionization
Carlos A Arango1, Moshe Shapiro, Paul Brumer
1Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S3H6, Canada.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|September 13, 2006
Summary
Coherent control theory allows precise manipulation of Ne*(3s,(3)P2)+Ar((1)S0) collisions. Researchers can effectively switch Penning and associative ionization processes on and off by controlling atomic states.
Area of Science:
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Quantum Control Theory
Background:
- Collisions involving excited Ne*(3s,(3)P2) atoms and Ar((1)S0) are crucial for understanding ionization dynamics.
- Controlling quantum processes at the atomic level remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply coherent control theory to manipulate Ne*(3s,(3)P2)+Ar((1)S0) collisions.
- To demonstrate the ability to control Penning and associative ionization cross sections.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing coherent control theory to induce interference between matter waves.
- Creating a linear superposition of degenerate Zeeman sublevels of the Ne*(3s,(3)P2) atom.
- Employing the rotating atom approximation combined with empirical and ab initio ionization widths for computations.
Main Results:
- Extensive control over Ne*(3s,(3)P2)+Ar((1)S0) collision processes was demonstrated.
- The ability to effectively switch Penning and associative ionization on and off was shown.
- Control is achieved through quantum interference of matter waves.
Conclusions:
- Coherent control provides a powerful tool for manipulating atomic collision outcomes.
- Quantum interference offers a pathway to precisely control ionization processes in atomic collisions.
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