Abstract
We report an experimental and theoretical study of the evolution of vibrational coherence in a thermal ensemble of nitrogen molecules. Rotational dephasing and rephasing of the vibrational coherence is detected by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. The existence of rovibrational coupling and the discrete energy spectrum of the rotational bath lead to a whole new class of full and fractional rovibrational revivals. Following the rich rovibrational dynamics on a nanosecond time scale with subpicosecond time resolution enables us to determine the second-order rovibrational constant and assess new possibilities of controlling decoherence.
- Received 17 February 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.85.043410
©2012 American Physical Society