Speaker: Prof. Svetlana Malinovskaya, Stevens Institute of Technology

Title: Ultrafast control of Raman transitions: from noninvasive imaging to molecular cooling

Abstract: Advances in laser technology stimulate the study of control of molecular dynamics. Applications are diverse and include the development of novel imaging techniques based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), which aims to reveal molecular specific structures. We will discuss novel methods in CARS microscopy which make use of femtosecond laser pulses in combination with quantum control methods. Another application is the implementation of an optical frequency comb for internal state cooling from Feshbach molecules. Optical frequency combs are being recognized as new and unique tools for high-resolution spectroscopic analysis as well as for controlling ultrafast phenomena in atomic and molecular physics. We will describe a theory of interaction of modulated optical frequency combs with ultra-cold gases aiming at the creation of deeply bound ultra-cold polar molecules.