Quantum-phase resolved mapping of ground-state vibrational D2 wave packets via selective depletion in intense laser pulses

Applying 7 fs pump-probe pulses (780 nm, 4 x 10(14) W/cm(2)) we observe electronic ground-state vibrational wave packets in neutral D-2 with a period of T = 11.101(70) fs by following the internuclear separation (R-) dependent ionization with a sensitivity of Delta < Ri > <= 0.02 angstrom. The absolute phase of the wave packet's motion provides evidence for R-dependent depletion of the ground state by nonlinear ionization, to be the dominant preparation mechanism. A phase shift of about pi found between pure ionization (D-2(+)) and dissociation (D++ D) channels opens a pathway of quantum control.