Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
Published on: February 4, 2017
Quantum and semiclassical physics behind ultrafast optical nonlinearity in the midinfrared: the role of ionization
E E Serebryannikov1, A M Zheltikov2
1Physics Department, International Laser Center, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia and Russian Quantum Center, Novaya 100, Skolkovo, Moscow Region, 143025 Russia.
Abstract:
Ultrafast ionization dynamics within the field half cycle is shown to be the key physical factor that controls the properties of optical nonlinearity as a function of the carrier wavelength and intensity of a driving laser field. The Schrödinger-equation analysis of a generic hydrogen quantum system reveals universal tendencies in the wavelength dependence of optical nonlinearity, shedding light on unusual properties of optical nonlinearities in the midinfrared. For high-intensity low-frequency fields, free-state electrons are shown to dominate over bound electrons in the overall nonlinear response of a quantum system. In this regime, semiclassical models are shown to offer useful insights into the physics behind optical nonlinearity.
Related Concept Videos
IR Spectroscopy: Hooke's Law Approximation of Molecular Vibration
According to Hooke's law, the vibrational frequency is directly proportional to...
The de Broglie Wavelength
IR Absorption Frequency: Delocalization
In IR...
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...
IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview
Stretching vibrations are vibrational motions that occur along the bond line, changing the bond length or distance between two bonded atoms. They are further distinguished as symmetric or asymmetric. In symmetric stretching, the...

