Oriented Rotational Wave-Packet Dynamics Studies via High Harmonic Generation

E. Frumker, C. T. Hebeisen, N. Kajumba, J. B. Bertrand, H. J. Wörner, M. Spanner, D. M. Villeneuve, A. Naumov, P. B. Corkum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

127 Scopus citations

Abstract

We produce oriented rotational wave packets in CO and measure their characteristics via high harmonic generation. The wave packet is created using an intense, femtosecond laser pulse and its second harmonic. A delayed 800 nm pulse probes the wave packet, generating even-order high harmonics that arise from the broken symmetry induced by the orientation dynamics. The even-order harmonic radiation that we measure appears on a zero background, enabling us to accurately follow the temporal evolution of the wave packet. Our measurements reveal that, for the conditions optimum for harmonic generation, the orientation is produced by preferential ionization which depletes the sample of molecules of one orientation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number113901
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume109
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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