Autler-Townes splitting and the AC Stark effect in nonpolar molecules: Prospects for all-optical alignment

This paper describes an extension of the familiar coherence effects from at omic systems to the molecular regime. Such effects are inherent in the inte raction of multiple laser fields with molecular systems. We have observed A utler-Townes splitting and the AC Stark shift in diatomic Lithium using the continuous wave all-optical triple resonance (AOTR) techniques. By using t he Autler-Townes effect, we have partially resolved the magnetic sublevels of a molecular rovibrational level in a Doppler broadened sample, allowing all-optical alignment of the angular momentum in excited states of nonpolar molecules. The Autler-Townes effect in a molecular system extends the rovi brational state selectivity of the AOTR excitation technique to magnetic su blevels.