Electron and nuclear dynamics of a molecular ion in an intense laser field

Abstract

The dynamics of a two-dimensional H2+ molecule interacting with a strong laser pulse beyond the usual approximation of fixed nuclei is presented. The motion of the nuclei is studied by using the classical Newton laws while the electron is described with a full quantal treatment. The axis of the molecule, initially not aligned to the laser field, performs a long-period pendular motion around the laser polarization axis. Vibrational degrees of freedom are seen to be excited. The radiation emitted by the oscillating charges presents variations that are synchronous to the pendular motion. The possibility of monitoring the motion of the molecule through the emitted radiation is discussed.