Phase-Tailoring Molecular Wave Packets to Time-Shift Their Dynamics

Published

June 1, 2000

Author(s)

Z Amitay, J B. Ballard, H U. Stauffer, S R. Leone

Abstract

Time-shifting (up to a global arbitrary phase) of the dynamics of molecular wave packets, i.e., |dielectric flux}(t)> -> | dielectric flux} (t-t_shift)>, is demonstrated using a high degree of state-selective coherent phase control with shaped femtosecond laser pulses. The benchmark system for the present work is the lithium dimer molecule. The phase-tailored Li₂ wave packets are composed of several rovibrational states of the electronic E¹ ς⁺_g shelf state excited from a single rovibrational level (selected using a cw laser) of the A¹ Σ_u⁺ state. The time-shifting operation has implications for the experimental implementation of coherent control, as well as for the use of the control ability to study coherent configurations and dynamics that otherwise would be difficult (sometimes impossible) to access experimentally. This is due, for example, to dephasing and/or depopulation of the wave packet in combination with long recurrence times. One such inaccessible coherent configuration of the present Li₂ wave packets corresponds to the global maximum of their ionization yield (as probed in the present experiment).

Citation

Chemical Physics

Volume

267

Issue

No. 1-3

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

coherent control, pulse shaping, time-shift, wave packet

Citation

Amitay, Z. , Ballard, J. , Stauffer, H. and Leone, S. (2000), Phase-Tailoring Molecular Wave Packets to Time-Shift Their Dynamics, Chemical Physics (Accessed April 23, 2024)