Alignment-dependent ionization probability of molecules in a double-pulse laser field

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 O₂ and N₂ 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.