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

Published

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-tshift)>, 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 Σu+ 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

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 December 5, 2024)

Issues

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Created May 31, 2000, Updated October 12, 2021