Abstract

Recently, schematic theoretical^1,2 and experimental³ investigations have begun to examine questions concerning the high field behavior of molecules. Obviously these studies become inherently more complex due to the richness of molecular structure (internal degrees of freedom) but do raise some interesting and unique aspects concerning the role and interplay of ionization and dissociation. The special problem presented by the study of molecular species is the disentanglement of the field from the structural effects. We have begun a schematic investigation of homo- and hetero-nuclear diatomics in an intense field. In this paper we will report results for hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine molecules.

© 1991 Optical Society of America