Molecules in intense laser fields: an experimental viewpoint.

When molecules are subjected to intense laser fields, they undergo multielectron dissociative ionization (MEDI), a process that is, as yet, little understood. This chapter gives a brief overview of some of the experimental techniques used to study the process. At present there are two models that attempt to explain the facts, inertial confinement (with rapid ionization at a critical inter-ion separation) and laser-induced stabilisation. In order to ascertain which, if either, of these models is correct, more definitive experiments are required, involving interferometric control of laser parameters, good laser characterisation, and a more careful analysis of the dissociation dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]