Optimal laser control of orientation:: The kicked molecule -: art. no. 063408

Using an optimal control scheme, based on genetic algorithms, to tailor a laser pulse, we find that molecular orientation can be achieved during and after the radiative interaction. The mechanism, which appears to be one of the possible ways leading to orientation, is based upon a kick imparted to the molecule by a sudden (with respect to molecular rotational motion), asymmetric laser pulse. We show how such pulses resulting from optimization can actually be produced experimentally and how the laser control of orientation could further be improved.