Intensity-dependent branching ratio of ND$^{+}$ dissociation in an intense laser field.
POSTER
Abstract
We investigate the fragmentation of an ND$^{+}$ molecular ion beam induced by intense femtosecond (40 fs) 795nm laser pulses. The individual dissociation channels (N$^{+}$ + D and N + D$^{+})$ of this astrophysically important molecule are uniquely separated by a coincidence measurement of the fragments. We observe that the branching ratio of the channels has a strong dependence on laser field strength over the intensity range 2x10$^{13}$ -- 3x10$^{15}$ W/cm$^{2}$. Additionally, using measurements of the kinetic energy release and angular distributions for these channels as a guide, we identify the most probable dissociation pathways.
*Supported by the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy.