New quantum control pathway for a coupled-potential system

Abstract Optimal control theory is used to design laser pulses that enhance the trans – cis photoisomerization of retinal, which is modeled by coupled potential curves to examine coupling effects on control mechanisms. Based on numerical results, a new type of pump–dump control pathway, in which an optimal pulse achieves high target probability without directly modifying a potential coupling, is proposed. The key feature of this control is that a shaped wave packet passes a curve-crossing point adiabatically in the ground electronic state.