Ultrafast IR laser control of photodissociation: single- vs. multi-pulse schemes

Abstract

Analytical laser pulses are designed to break the H–Co bond of HCo(CO)₄ in the electronic ground state. The potential energy surface is taken from a pseudo-triatomic model of this compound. Single- and two-pulse dissociations are shown to be equally efficient in their ability to dissociate the molecule within two picoseconds at moderate field strengths. The isotope TCo(CO)₄ is considered as well and results of a three-pulse laser interaction are presented. Laser selective isotope separation is demonstrated to be feasible over a wide range of frequencies using a single driving field.