Experimental coherent computation of a multiple-input AND gate using pure molecular superpositions

Pure coherent superpositions of Li-2 rovibrational eigenstates are used for the experimental coherent computation of a classical multiple-input AND logical gate. The input sets of Boolean values are imprinted into the phases of the eigenstates by shaped ferntosecond pulses. The computation is carried out by the coherence and field-free time evolution. The Boolean result is given by the existence/nonexistence of a specific pre-determined superposition at a given delay time; it is read via projection onto an ionic state by a second ferntosecond pulse. As an example, the gate is used in solving a yes/no computational decision problem. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.