Mechanical action of infrared light on atoms and molecules through a rectification of the electric force

We report the mechanical action of infrared light on atoms and molecules based on the rectification of the electric force. This mechanism is qualitatively different from the conventional ways of controlling photochemistry. The rectification of the electric force originates from the synchronous charge transfer induced by the laser field. This brings about an opportunity to produce a site selective light-induced action, controlled by the tailored intense laser field, on atoms in molecules and clusters. The concept is illustrated by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the water hexamer.