A time-independent quantum mechanical theory for multiphoton dissociation of diatomic molecules

Abstract

A nonperturbative expression for the rate of dissociation from the ground vibrational state of a diatomic molecule in the presence of an infrared laser field is derived using R-matrix techniques. No rotating wave approximation and no metastable levels are introduced. The result is applied to a model system and to HF to obtain the dependence of multiphoton dissociation rate upon laser frequency and intensity. Dissociation is predicted at fields of order 1013 W/cm2.