Molecular axis orientation and transitional path effects in the rotational structure of multiphoton transitions

Abstract

The intensity distribution among the rotational branches in a multiphoton process is considered. It is shown that the excitation probability of a rotational line depends drastically on the transitional path involved as well as on the molecular axis orientation. Each transitional path derives a distinct rotational structure and the intensity distribution of the rotational branches in the excitation spectra reveals the dominant transitional path.