Optimal squeezing of molecular wave packets

Abstract

We present a practical method of designing laser fields for generation of spatially squeezed molecular wave packets. Our approach, based on optimal control theory, generalizes and improves previous, more intuitive suggestions for the optical generation of squeezed wave packets. Spatial-temporal evolution of the squeezing is studied and several underlying physical mechanisms of the effect are explored. Possible applications to laser femtosecond chemistry and experiments on laser modification of molecular adiabatic potentials are discussed.