Multi-dimensional quantum-beat spectroscopy of the rotational-vibrational dynamics in D$_2^+$

The ionization of D$_2$ in a short and intense laser pulse generates a rotational-vibrational (RV) nuclear wave packet in D$_2^+$. By solving the time-dependent Schr\"{o}dinger equation in full dimensionality, we simulate the coherent evolution of such wave packets and discuss their ro-vibrational dynamics. Within a harmonic time-series analysis of the evolving nuclear probability density [1], we characterize the RV dynamics in D$_2^+$ in an external intense linearly polarized infrared laser field in terms of quantum-beat (QB) spectra in which both, the internuclear distance and molecular orientation relative to the linearly polarized laser field are resolved. Based on numerical examples for the nuclear dynamics without and under the influence of pulsed and continuum-wave (cw) laser light, we discuss and quantify the signature of RV couplings in QB spectra [2] and to what extent the quantum-beat analysis of measured time-dependent fragment kinetic energy release spectra is expected to image the laser-dressed RV structure of D$_2^+$.\\[4pt] [1] U. Thumm {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 77} 063401 (2008).\\[0pt] [2] M. Winter {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 80} 063401(R) (2009).