Molecular optics in an intense laser field: A route to nanoscale material design

It is shown that molecules can be focused in the gradient of a moderately intense laser field under standard molecular-beam conditions. Simple relationships are given for the focal length and the minimum molecular beam size. Both can be controlled and varied over a wide range by choice of the molecular beam and field parameters. Molecular focusing is proposed as a route to nanoscale processing (deposition, etching, doping, etc.) of materials. Molecular trapping is obtained as the strong interaction limit of a general ''molecular optics'' scheme.