Control of molecular dynamics with zero-area fields: Application to molecular orientation and photofragmentation

The constraint of time-integrated zero area on the laser field is a fundamental requirement, both theoretically and experimentally, in the control of molecular dynamics. By using techniques of local and optimal control theory, we show how to enforce this constraint in two benchmark control problems, namely, molecular orientation and photofragmentation. The origin and the physical implications for the dynamics of this zero-area control field are discussed.