Impulsive Laser Induced Alignment of Molecules Dissolved in Helium Nanodroplets

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that a short laser pulse can align molecules within helium nanodroplets, revealing unique rotational dynamics and absence of typical gas-phase alignment recurrences, opening new research avenues.

Contribution

It introduces a method for laser-induced molecular alignment in helium nanodroplets and uncovers distinct rotational behaviors compared to isolated molecules.

Findings

Slower rotational dynamics in helium nanodroplets

Absence of sharp transient alignment recurrences

Potential for exploring molecular behavior in dissipative environments

Abstract

We show that a 450 fs nonresonant, moderately intense, linearly polarized laser pulse can induce field-free molecular axis alignment of methyliodide molecules dissolved in a helium nanodroplet. Time-resolved measurements reveal rotational dynamics much slower than that of isolated molecules and, surprisingly, complete absence of the sharp transient alignment recurrences characteristic of gas phase molecules. Our results presage a range of new opportunities for exploring both molecular dynamics in a dissipative environment and the properties of He nanodroplets.