Year: 1999
Type: report
Abstract: Our principal objective has centered on the development of sophisticated computational techniques to solve the time-dependent Schroedinger equation that governs the evolution of quantum mechanical systems. We have perfected two complementary methods, discrete variable representation and real space product formula, that show great promise in solving these complicated temporal problems. We have applied these methods to the interaction of laser light with molecules with the intent of not only investigating the basic mechanisms but also devising schemes for actually controlling the outcome of microscopic processes. Lasers now exist that produce pulses of such short duration as to probe a molecular process many times within its characteristic period--allowing the actual observation of an evolving quantum mechanical system. We have studied the potassium dimer as an example and found agreement with experimental changes in the intermediate state populations as a function of laser frequency--a simple control prescription. We have also employed elaborate quantum chemistry programs to improve the accuracy of basic input such as bound-bound and bound-free coupling moments. These techniques have far-ranging applicability; for example, to trapped quantum systems at very low temperatures such as Bose-Einstein condensates.
DOI: 10.2172/768235
Authors: L. COLLINS, J. KRESS, R. WALKER
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Awards: G1702950523, G2713861829, G797745481
OpenAlex ID: W1487812110