Abstract
We report on optimal control of the photoisomerization of 3,3-diethyl-2,2-thiacyanine iodide dissolved in methanol. Enhancement and reduction of the relative yield of to isomers are achieved; i.e., the quantum efficiency of the photoisomerization is controlled with optimally phase and amplitude shaped 400 nm femtosecond laser pulses. Single-parameter control schemes, like chirp or intensity variation, fail to change the ratio of the photoproducts. The successful modification of the molecular structure can be regarded as a first step towards controlled stereoselectivity in photochemistry.
- Received 14 September 2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.068305
©2005 American Physical Society