Pulse Length Dependence In Dissociation Of Na-2(+) By Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulses

The dynamics of the photodissociation of Na-2(+) by intense laser fields (I=5.10(11)-5.10(13) W/cm(2)) are dominated by 4 electronic states for wavelengths around 780 nm. Above threshold dissociation (ATD) with absorption of 1 and 2 excess photons before dissociation Is predicted. The pulse duration (25-250 fs) is shown to be an important control parameter for the branching ratio between the ATD channels and the total dissociation probability.