Coherent Control of Molecular Scattering Using Stark-Induced Adiabatic Raman Passage
Abstract
We plan to study scattering in a supersonically co-expanded beam of two molecular species by preparing both partners in specific vibrational-rotational (v, J) eigenstates. We are interested in studying quantum state controlled collisions of state prepared diatomic molecules such as H2, HD, HCl, CO, NO, as well as linear polyatomic molecules like C2H2. The co-expansion of colliding partners in a single beam brings the collision temperature down to 1 Kelvin and specifies the direction of their relative velocity. Additionally, it allows the simultaneous preparation of the internal quantum state of both colliding partners using a minimal number of laser pulses. By eliminating averaging over initial states, our goal is to understand the fundamental nature of interaction forces that bind matter together. Specifically, we will expand on our previous work on Stark-induced adiabatic Raman passage (SARP) to achieve both high vibrational excitation in hydrogen molecules and to excite new molecular species in order to control collision geometries at the quantum level. The purpose of this DURIP is to request funding for a new laser system necessary to pursue two distinct goals. First, to use SARP in a novel, ladder-like fashion to achieve very high vibrational excitation of H2, HD, and D2. Second, to simultaneously prepare a pair of colliding partners using two separate SARP excitations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810205
Entities
People
- Richard Zare
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Stanford University
- United States Army