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    Precise quantum control of unidirectional field-free molecular orientation

    Qian-Qian Hong1, Zhe-Jun Zhang1, Chuan-Cun Shu1,*, Jun He1, Daoyi Dong2, and Dajun Ding3,†

    • 1Hunan Key Laboratory of Super-Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
    • 2Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
    • 3Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China

    • *Contact author: cc.shu@csu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: dajund@jlu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. A 113, 013118 – Published 20 January, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4hsj-z8qx

    Abstract

    The capability to control molecular rotation for field-free orientation, which arranges molecules in specific spatial directions without external fields, is crucial in physics, chemistry, and quantum information science. However, conventional methods typically lead to transient orientations characterized by periodic directional reversals and necessitate the generation of coherent superpositions across a broad spectrum of rotational states of ultracold molecules. In this work, we develop a theoretical framework for achieving unidirectional field-free orientation by selectively manipulating two specific rotational states of symmetric top molecules. By leveraging the interplay between coherent superpositions and the precise selection of initial states, we demonstrate that both the maximum achievable orientation and its direction can be effectively controlled. To attain the desired two-state orientation, we present a quantum control strategy that utilizes a single control pulse, significantly simplifying the complexities of conventional multistate or multipulse schemes. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach for methyl iodide (CH3I) molecules, even when accounting for molecular centrifugal distortion. The results highlight the critical roles of initial-state selection and quantum coherence in achieving long-lasting, high unidirectional molecular orientation, opening new directions in stereochemistry, precision spectroscopy, and quantum computing.

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