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Optical Centrifuge for Molecules

Joanna Karczmarek, James Wright, Paul Corkum, and Misha Ivanov
Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 3420 – Published 26 April 1999
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Abstract

Strong infrared fields can be used for controlled spinning of molecules to very high angular momentum states. The angular momentum acquired can be sufficient to break molecular bonds. The approach is suitable for all anisotropic molecules, and we illustrate it by dissociating a homonuclear diatomic Cl2, with optical centrifuge efficiently separating Cl35 and Cl37 isotopes and thus demonstrating high sensitivity to the moment of inertia.

  • Received 5 October 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.82.3420

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Joanna Karczmarek1, James Wright2, Paul Corkum1, and Misha Ivanov1

  • 1SIMS NRC, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6
  • 2Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6

See Also

Spinning the Molecule

Meher Antia
Phys. Rev. Focus 3, 24 (1999)

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Vol. 82, Iss. 17 — 26 April 1999

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