Strong-field molecular alignment for quantum logic and quantum control

We discuss an approach to quantum control based on initial adiabatic tuning of the field-free Hamiltonian by a strong laser field to optimize the system for the desired transitions induced by the control laser pulse. As an illustration, we describe single-qubit, two-qubit, and some qudit logical gates within rotational and vibrational states of a diatomic molecule. Gate operations use resonant Raman transitions, and the prior adjustment of the Hamiltonian is done by a strong nonresonant aligning field.