Selective preparation of ground state wave-packets: a theoretical analysisof femtosecond pump-dump-probe experiments on the potassium dimer

We present simulations on pump-dump-probe experiments performed on the pota ssium dimer. The interaction of two time-delayed laser pulses prepares vibr ational wave packets in the electronic ground state. The quantum calculatio ns reveal to what extent it is possible to prepare a ground state superposi tion of states with high versus low vibrational quantum numbers by changing the pump-dump delay time. It is shown that transient signals may exhibit i nterference effects which are due to characteristics of ground state wave-p ackets composed of two components showing different vibrational dynamics. I n this way the signals are able to yield information about vibrational over tone motion.