We demonstrate the possibility of determining the dependence of ionization probabilities on the alignment of molecules in a double-pulse laser experiment. A short pump pulse is used to generate a rotational wave packet which produces aligned molecules during the periods of rotational wave packet revival. The ionization probabilities by a subsequent probe laser vs the time delay are calculated for ${\mathrm{O}}_2$ and ${\mathrm{N}}_2$ molecules at different temperatures. Distinct time dependence is predicted, and the results are interpreted in terms of the geometry of the charge distributions of the valence electrons of the two molecules.

• Received 4 November 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.67.043404