Coherent Control of the Rotation Axis of Molecular Superrotors

Area of Science:

• Strong-field laser physics
• Molecular dynamics
• Quantum control

Background:

• Ultrafast molecular rotational motion control is crucial for various applications.
• Optical centrifuges have emerged as a powerful tool for inducing molecular rotation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically demonstrate a novel coherent control technique for inducing molecular rotation about multiple axes.
• To investigate the creation of molecular superrotors with stable rotation about distinct molecular axes.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of molecular dynamics under strong laser fields.
• Application of optical centrifuges with distinct pulse envelopes to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) molecules.
• Analysis of rotational state pathways and angular momentum alignment.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated stable, ultrafast rotation of H2S molecules about two different molecular axes.
• Achieved control over angular momentum alignment by manipulating optical centrifuge pulse envelopes.
• Showcased the creation of molecular superrotors with controllable rotational properties.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme offers a novel method for coherent control of molecular rotation.
• This technique enables stable multi-axis rotation in molecules, useful for scattering studies.
• The energy and rotational behavior of superrotors can be tuned by adjusting centrifuge pulse duration.