Nuclear momentum distributions governed by Rabi flopping in the dissociation of hydrogen molecular ions in strong laser fields

We study the Rabi flopping between the 1s sigma(g) and 2p sigma(u) states during the dissociation of hydrogen molecular ions in strong laser fields by numerically simulating the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. Starting either from a certain vibrational state or from coherently superimposed vibrational states weighted with Frank-Condon factors, the dissociative nuclear momentum distributions present multiple angular nodes and maxima due to molecular alignment-dependent Rabi flopping. The Rabi frequency and nuclear angular distribution depend on the laser chirp and laser ellipticity. Rabi flopping also determines the population on the 2p sigma(u) state and thus the dissociation probability. The deep understanding of Rabi flopping in molecular dissociation gives clues to control ultrafast molecular dynamics.

Automated summary

Numerical simulations of Rabi flopping during the dissociation of hydrogen molecular ions reveal complex nuclear momentum distributions with multiple angular nodes and maxima, influenced by laser chirp and ellipticity. The Rabi flopping also plays a crucial role in determining the population on the 2p sigma(u) state and consequently affects the dissociation probability. Understanding Rabi flopping in molecular dissociation provides insights for controlling ultrafast molecular dynamics.