Dynamics of laser-induced molecular alignment in the impulsive and adiabatic regimes: A direct comparison

R. Torres, R. de Nalda, and J. P. Marangos
Phys. Rev. A 72, 023420 – Published 30 August 2005

Abstract

Quantum-mechanical calculations are performed of the dynamic alignment of linear molecules induced by a strong nonresonant laser field. Within this framework we have treated in a unified fashion the alignment with laser pulses of varying duration from the short pulse impulsive limit (τpulseTrot) to the long pulse adiabatic limit (τpulse>Trot). The temporal behavior of the alignment in both these limits, and in the intermediate pulse duration regime, have been analyzed. For the impulsive limit the dependence of the degree of maximum alignment upon the laser pulse duration was examined and the intensity-dependent optimum pulse duration explained. A comparison between the degree of alignment under the same conditions of pulse intensity and rotational temperature was performed between the impulsive and adiabatic cases. The adiabatic case was found to always provide a better degree of alignment for a given intensity which we show is due to the zero relative phasing between the component states of the superposition that form the pendular states. We have explicitly calculated the angular distribution of an ensemble of linear molecules as it evolves through a rotational revival; a rich structure is found that may be useful in guiding future experiments that utilize the field free alignment in a revival.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 12 May 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.72.023420

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

R. Torres1, R. de Nalda2, and J. P. Marangos1

  • 1The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BW, United Kingdom
  • 2Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 72, Iss. 2 — August 2005

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×