Molecular "π pulse" for total inversion of electronic state population

Theoretical analysis leads us to the intriguing conclusion that nearly complete electronic population inversion of molecules can be achieved with intense positively chirped broadband laser pulses, as a combined result of vibrational coherence and adiabatic inversion. Strong held quantum calculations demonstrate inversion probabilities of up to 99%. The results are robust with respect to changes in light field parameters as well as to thermal and condensed phase conditions, are supported by experimental evidence, and have many potential applications in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physics.