Journal article
Quantum Control by Ultrafast Polarization Shaping
Publication Details
Authors: | Brixner, T.; Krampert, G.; Pfeifer, T.; Selle, R.; Gerber, G.; Wollenhaupt, M.; Graefe, O.; Horn, C.; Liese, D.; Baumert, T. |
Publication year: | 2004 |
Journal: | Physical Review Letters |
Pages range : | 208301-1 - 208301-4 |
Journal acronym: | PRL |
Volume number: | 92 |
ISSN: | 0031-9007 |
eISSN: | 1079-7114 |
Abstract
We demonstrate that the use of time-dependent light polarization opens a new level of control over quantum systems. With potassium dimer molecules from a supersonic molecular beam, we show that a polarization-shaped laser pulse increases the ionization yield beyond that obtained with an optimally shaped linearly polarized laser pulse. This is due to the different multiphoton ionization pathways in K-2 involving dipole transitions which favor different polarization directions of the exciting laser field. This experiment is a qualitative extension of quantum control mechanisms which opens up new directions giving access to the three-dimensional temporal response of molecular systems.
We demonstrate that the use of time-dependent light polarization opens a new level of control over quantum systems. With potassium dimer molecules from a supersonic molecular beam, we show that a polarization-shaped laser pulse increases the ionization yield beyond that obtained with an optimally shaped linearly polarized laser pulse. This is due to the different multiphoton ionization pathways in K-2 involving dipole transitions which favor different polarization directions of the exciting laser field. This experiment is a qualitative extension of quantum control mechanisms which opens up new directions giving access to the three-dimensional temporal response of molecular systems.
