Molecular and Laser Spectroscopy

the long version

The authors discuss and analyse various spectroscopic effects in relation to the interaction mechanisms of molecules with laser fields. The contents are organized according to the aspects of molecular spectra that reflect intra- and intermolecular interactions and the influence of the molecular environment. After a brief summary of molecular energy levels and spectra, the discussion centers on molecular spectroscopy, with balanced treatments of the coarse and fine structures of molecular two-photon spectra, Doppler-free spectra via nonlinear uncoupling interactions of lasers with molecules, the spectral effects of nonlinear coupling interactions of lasers with molecules, and methods of selective simplification and identification of molecular spectra. The theory is given throughout in terms of the density matrix equations. Concepts are illustrated by examples based on simple molecules.