# Zero-energy proton dissociation of H$_2^+$ through stimulated Raman scattering

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that near-zero energy proton emission from H$_2^+$ in strong laser fields is primarily driven by stimulated Raman scattering on the ground state, with asymmetries influenced by vibrational trapping and multiple processes.

## Contribution

It reveals the dominant role of stimulated Raman scattering in near-zero energy proton emission and clarifies the mechanisms behind asymmetries in proton ejection.

## Key findings

- Stimulated Raman scattering dominates near-zero energy proton emission.
- Asymmetries in proton ejection are due to multiple processes, not just pathway interference.
- Vibrational trapping significantly influences proton emission dynamics.

## Abstract

We show that (near-)zero energy proton emission from H$_2^+$ in strong two-color and broadband laser fields is dominated by a stimulated Raman scattering process taking place on the electronic ground state. It is furthermore shown that in the (near-)zero energy region the asymmetry in proton ejection induced by asymmetric laser fields is due to the interplay of several processes, rather than only pathway interferences, with vibrational trapping (or bond-hardening) taking a key role.