Selective photodissociation in diatomic molecules by dynamical Stark-shift control.

Selective population transfer in electronic states of dissociative molecular systems is illustrated by adopting a control scheme based on Stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage (SCRAP). In contrast to the discrete N-level system, dynamical Stark shift is induced in a more complex manner in the molecular electronic states. Wavepacket dynamics on the light-induced potentials, which are determined by the detuning of the pump pulse, can be controlled by additional Stark pulse in the SCRAP scheme. Complete population transfer can be achieved by either lowering the energy barrier along the adiabatic passage or placing the initial wavepacket on a well-defined dressed state suitable for the control. The determination of the pulse sequence is sufficient for controlling population transfer to the target state.