Modifying molecular scattering from rough solid surfaces using ultrashort laser pulses

Abstract

We consider solid surface scattering of molecules that were subject to strong non-resonant ultrashort laser pulses just before hitting the surface. The pulses modify the rotational state of the molecules, causing their field-free alignment, or a rotation with a preferred sense. We show that field-free laser-induced molecular alignment leads to correlation between the scattering angle and the sense of rotation of the scattered molecules. Moreover, by controlling the sense of laser-induced unidirectional molecular rotation, one may affect the scattering angle of the molecules. This provides a new means for separation of mixtures of molecules (such as isotopes and nuclear-spin isomers) by laser-controlled surface scattering.