Optical control of molecular motion with robustness and application to vinylidene fluoride

Charles D. Schwieters, J. G.B. Beumee, Herschel Rabitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

The results of previous research [J. Chem. Phys. 88, 6870 (1988)] on optimal control of harmonic molecular motion are extended. A closed-form solution for the optimal optical field is derived for a quadratic cost criterion, and an asymptotic form for this field is obtained for large target times. The dynamics of a molecule are shown to be controllable if no normal mode has zero optical absorption intensity. The theoretical formulation yields optical field designs that are to be executed ultimately in the laboratory. In this regard, a critical issue is the robustness of the field designs. Therefore the optimal control formalism is extended further to yield optimal fields that exhibit minimal sensitivity of the desired molecular objectives with respect to force constants and dipole derivatives. Examples of sensitivity minimization are shown, using a linear chain molecule. Finally, optimal control of the molecule vinylidene fluoride is demonstrated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1736-1747
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America B: Optical Physics
Volume7
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1990

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optical control of molecular motion with robustness and application to vinylidene fluoride'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this