Control of molecular dynamics with zero-area fields: Application to molecular orientation and photofragmentation

TL;DR

This paper explores how to enforce zero-area constraints on laser fields to control molecular orientation and photofragmentation, revealing fundamental physical implications and applying optimal control techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a method to impose zero-area constraints in molecular control problems using local and optimal control theory, a novel approach in this context.

Findings

Zero-area control fields influence molecular dynamics significantly.

Optimal control techniques can enforce zero-area constraints effectively.

Physical implications of zero-area fields on molecular processes are elucidated.

Abstract

The constraint of time-integrated zero-area on the laser field is a fundamental, both theoretical and experimental requirement in the control of molecular dynamics. By using techniques of local and optimal control theory, we show how to enforce this constraint on two benchmark control problems, namely molecular orientation and photofragmentation. The origin and the physical implications on the dynamics of this zero-area control field are discussed.