Simultaneous field-free molecular orientation and planar delocalization by THz laser pulses

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the possibility of simultaneously orienting and planar delocalizing molecules using shaped THz laser pulses in field-free conditions, with strategies applicable to various molecular types.

Contribution

It introduces novel control strategies for achieving simultaneous molecular orientation and delocalization using shaped THz pulses, including robustness at different temperatures.

Findings

Successful control of molecular orientation and delocalization in field-free conditions.

Robustness of control strategies against temperature variations.

Applicability to both linear and symmetric top molecules.

Abstract

This study shows the unexpected and counter-intuitive possibility of simultaneously orienting a molecule while delocalizing its molecular axis in a plane in field-free conditions. The corresponding quantum states are characterized and different control strategies using shaped THz laser pulses are proposed to reach such states at zero and nonzero temperatures. The robustness against temperature effects of a simple control procedure combining a laser and a THz pulse is shown. Such control strategies can be applied not only to linear molecules but also to symmetric top molecules.