Modification of Vibrational Parameters of a CO₂ Molecule by a Laser Field: Impact on Tunnel Ionization

Abstract

In this paper, we theoretically study the laser-induced modification of the vibrational parameters of a carbon dioxide molecule regarding its tunnel ionization. Our study predicts a 5% increase in the ionization rate in anti-Stokes channels that corresponds to pumping the Σu mode up to vai=10. The molecule is imparted with an additional energy from the pre-pumped vibrational states, which is absorbed during ionization. As a result, the tunneling rate increases. This amplification of tunnel ionization of the CO2 gas target can potentially be used for the laser separation of carbon isotopes.

Keywords

• CO₂ molecule
• laser-modified vibrational parameters
• Franck–Condon factors
• tunnel ionization
• anti-Stokes channels