Anderson localisation in laser kicked molecules

Abstract

The paper explores the prospects of observing the phenomenon of dynamical Anderson localisation via non-resonant Raman-type rotational excitation of molecules by periodic trains of short laser pulses. We define conditions for such an experiment, and show that current femtosecond technology used for non-adiabatic laser alignment of linear molecules is sufficient for this task. Several observables which can serve as indicator for Anderson localisation are suggested for measurement, and the influence of experimental limitations imposed by laser intensity noise, finite pulse duration, limited number of pulses in a train, and thermal effects is analysed.