SELECTIVITY IN INTENSE FIELD DISSOCIATION

Strong laser fields exert forces comparable to, or exceeding, the forc es which bind atoms to molecules. We exploit this physics to achieve s electivity in the dissociation of triatomic cations, using a simple, i ntuitive approach. We propose a class of molecules for which a strong bond can be preferentially dissociated over a weak bond using a strong infrared pulse with very simple pulse parameters. Selectivity is demo nstrated for a model system of the type ABC(+). (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce B.V.