Numerical simulations of molecular orientation using strong, nonresonant, two-color laser fields

We have investigated the possibility of molecular orientation using an asymmetric potential created by the superposition of strong, nonresonant, two-color (omega + 2 omega) laser fields. The time-independent Schrodinger equations are solved numerically for FCN molecules as an example in an adiabatic regime where the orientation proceeds slowly compared to the rotational period of molecules. We show the laser intensity dependence of the orientation parameter [[cos theta]] and the alignment parameter [[cos(2) theta]] where theta is the angle between the polarization axis and the molecular axis, and their time evolution during the laser fields, suggesting that our approach can be used to orient polar molecules if they are rotationally cold. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.