Strong-field quantum control of 2 + 1 photon absorption of atomic sodium

Opt Express. 2011 Jan 31;19(3):2266-77. doi: 10.1364/OE.19.002266.

Abstract

We demonstrate ultrafast coherent control of multiphoton absorption in a dynamically shifted energy level structure. In a three-level system that models optical interactions with sodium atoms, we control the quantum interference of sequential 2 + 1 photons and direct three-photon transitions. Dynamic change in energy levels predicts an enormous enhancement of |7p>-state excitation in the strong-field regime by a negatively chirped pulse. In addition, the |4s>-state excitation is enhanced symmetrically by nonzero linear chirp rates given as a function of laser peak intensity and laser detuning. Experiments performed by ultrafast shaped-pulse excitation of ground-state atomic sodium verifies the various strong-field contributions to |3s>-|7p> and |3s>-|4s> transitions. The result suggests that for systems of molecular level understanding adiabatic control approach with analytically shaped pulses becomes a more direct control than feedback-loop black-box approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Computer Simulation
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Photons
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Sodium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Sodium