Molecules and Clusters in Intense Laser Fields

This book provides a thorough and comprehensive introduction to the physics of molecules and clusters in intense laser fields. It covers both theoretical and experimental aspects of the subject, and presents new research in the area of clusters in intense laser fields. Topics covered include coherent control, diatomic and polyatomic molecules, and femtosecond pulse production and diagnostics. Written by leading researchers in the field, this book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in atomic, molecular and optical physics. It will also be suitable as a reference text for advanced physics courses.

Preface; 1. Ultra-high intensity based on Ti:Sapphire Philip F. Taday and Andrew J. Langley; 2. Diatomic molecules in intense laser fields Jan H. Posthumus and James F. McCann; 3. Small polyatomic molecules in intense laser fields C. Cornaggia; 4. Coherent control in intense laser fields Eric Charron and Brian Sheehy; 5. Experimental studies of laser-heated rare gas clusters M. Lezius and M. Schmidt; 6. Single cluster explosions and high harmonic generation John W. G. Tisch and Emma Springate; 7. Intense laser interaction with extended cluster media Roland A. Smith and Todd Ditmire.