Time optimization and state-dependent constraints in the quantum optimal control of molecular orientation

Abstract

We apply two recent generalizations of monotonically convergent optimization algorithms to the control of molecular orientation by laser fields. We show how to minimize the control duration by a step-wise optimization and maximize the field-free molecular orientation using state-dependent constraints. We discuss the physical relevance of the different results.

Keywords:

• optimal control theory
• molecular orientation
• state-space constraints
• time-optimization

Notes

We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Conseil Régional de Bourgogne and the QUAINT coordination action (EC FET-Open).