HCO+ dissociation in a strong laser field: An ab initio classical trajectory study

We have investigated the photodissociation of HCO+ in a strong field with a wavelength of 10 μm using ab initio molecular dynamics. Classical trajectories were calculated at three field intensities. At 2.9 × 1014 W/cm2 and phase ϕ = 0, protons have two distinct dissociation times, mainly due to the reorientation of HCO+ relative to the field direction prior to dissociation. The kinetic energy distribution at this intensity agrees with Wardlaw’s wagging tail model, suggesting that dissociation occurs through barrier-suppression. At 1.7 × 1014 and 8.8 × 1013 W/cm2, barrier suppression is incomplete and the maximum kinetic energy is less than predicted by the wagging tail model.