We revisit the problem of laser-induced suppression of quantum dynamical tu
nneling in a model system studied by Kilin et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 76 (199
6) 3297]. This quantum system consists of a ground state symmetric double-w
ell potential which is coupled by a strong laser field to an excited state
asymmetric double-well potential. By analyzing the assumptions used in thei
r analysis we show that the suppression of quantum dynamical tunneling can
be explained with the use of dark and bright states of the system. We also
generalize the system and the conditions for suppression of quantum tunneli
ng and show that, in certain cases, suppression can occur regardless the ch
aracteristics of the excited potential surface. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B
.V. All rights reserved.