Selective excitation via the continuum with overlapping laser pulses

Transfer of molecules or atoms from an initial state to a certain final state is often wanted, and use of a single laser may be impractical. Transfer via an intermediate state of higher energy has been demonstrated, using laser pulses that overlap in time. We have proposed using the continuum in place of the intermediate state, and encouraging results have been computed for a simple model. Our latest calculations show the effects of operating this scheme near the bottom of the continuum or near a resonance having the Fano shape, and the effects of laser-driven continuum-continuum transitions