Coherent Preparation of Highly Vibrating and Rotating D₂ Molecules

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Quantum Control
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Understanding cold interstellar medium requires vibrationally excited molecules.
• Deuterium molecules (D2) are key components in interstellar environments.
• Controlled excitation of D2 is crucial for fundamental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare rotationally excited D2 molecules in a high vibrational state (v=4).
• To explore new possibilities for studying the four-center hydrogen reaction.
• To assess the potential for generating D- beams for fusion energy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two sequential Stark-induced adiabatic Raman passages.
• Employed laser-induced population transfer techniques.
• Confirmed state preparation via threshold behavior and intermediate level depletion.

Main Results:

• Achieved nearly complete population transfer to the target rovibrational state.
• Demonstrated successful preparation of D2 in the fourth excited vibrational level.
• Observed threshold laser power dependence confirming efficient transfer.

Conclusions:

• The developed method efficiently prepares highly excited D2 molecules.
• This opens avenues for studying interstellar chemistry and fundamental reactions.
• The excited D2 molecules show potential for enhancing D- beam generation for fusion.