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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Observation of laser-induced continuum structure in the NO molecule

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0953-4075; We present experimental results on the modification of a molecular ionization continuum through a laser-induced continuum structure. The effect is demonstrated in nitric oxide where the resonant 2 + 1 multiphoton-ionization process of the X (2)Pi(3/2) electronic ground state is modified by dressing the continuum with the electromagnetically embedded M(2)Sigma(+) Rydberg state. Through selection of a two-photon rovibronic transition via the D electronic state, a single rotational ground state level is excited to the continuum with one laser field. By adding an extra dressing field, a coupling is then established between this three-photon excited ground state level and one of the M state rotational levers. The modification due to the dressed continuum results in a modification of the ground state level ionization signal in one of the decay channels where an asymmetric line-shape resonance is electromagnetically induced. Limiting effects due to ac-Stark shifts are discussed.