arXiv subjects

A. Adelswaerd

Publications and source records attributed to A. Adelswaerd.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2004

Quantum decoherence in the rotation of small molecules

The dynamics of non-polar diatomic molecules interacting with a far-detuned narrow-band laser field, that only may drive rotational transitions, is studied. The rotation of the molecule is considered both classically and quantum mechanically, providing links to features known from the heavy symmetric top. In particular, quantum decoherence in the molecular rotation, being induced by spontaneous Raman processes, is addressed. It is shown how this decoherence modifies the rotational dynamics in phase space.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Rotational master equation for cold laser-driven molecules

The equations of motion for the molecular rotation are derived for vibrationally cold dimers that are polarized by off-resonant laser light. It is shown that, by eliminating electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom, a quantum master equation for the reduced rotational density operator can be obtained. The coherent rotational dynamics is caused by stimulated Raman transitions, whereas spontaneous Raman transitions lead to decoherence in the motion of the quantized angular momentum. As an example the molecular dynamics for the optical Kerr effect is chosen, revealing decoherence and heating of the molecular rotation.

quant-ph↗