Quantum control of spin–orbit coupling by dynamic Stark-shifts induced by laser fields

We show that electronic states can be decoupled, removing the crossing between the potentials, or coupled, inducing intramolecular crossings, by applying dynamic Stark-shifts with strong nonresonant pulses. As an example, stopping and enhancing the singlet–triplet transfer between the 11Σu and 13Πu excited states to create purified spin states in the Rb2 molecule is demonstrated.