Enhancing the intense field control of molecular fragmentation

Area of Science:

• Quantum dynamics
• Molecular physics
• Laser-matter interactions

Background:

• Controlling molecular dissociation is crucial for understanding chemical reactions.
• The carrier-envelope phase (CEP) of intense laser pulses influences molecular dynamics.
• Spatial asymmetry in fragment distribution provides insights into dissociation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a pump-probe scheme for enhancing spatial asymmetry in molecular dissociation.
• To demonstrate the control over fragment spatial distribution using the CEP of few-cycle laser pulses.
• To provide a method for experimental comparison through averaging calculations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a pump-probe scheme.
• Theoretical modeling using extensive, full-dimensional calculations.
• Simulation of H(2)(+) dissociation dynamics.
• Inclusion of averaging for experimental comparability.

Main Results:

• The proposed scheme can enhance spatial asymmetry by an order of magnitude or more.
• Demonstrated control over fragment spatial distribution via CEP manipulation.
• Calculations provide a basis for direct experimental verification.

Conclusions:

• The developed pump-probe scheme offers a powerful tool to control and enhance spatial asymmetry in molecular dissociation.
• This technique allows for precise manipulation of molecular fragment trajectories.
• The findings pave the way for advanced experimental investigations in ultrafast molecular science.