Selective excitation of vibrational states in three-state Na₂ molecule by a chirped laser pulse

We have theoretically investigated the population transfer and the selective excitation of vibrational states of the target state in a three-state Na₂ molecule using the chirped adiabatic passage. The population transfer among electronic states is studied. Compared with the single negative chirped pulse, complete population transfer can be achieved by using a positive chirped pulse. The effects of laser parameters on vibrational population distribution are discussed, and the selective excitation of vibrational states can be achieved by adjusting the central frequency. Finally, we give the method of selective excitation of specific vibrational states. (paper)