A review is given of the physical phenomena observed when polyatomic molecules interact with intense infrared radiation pulses. A brief historical account is given of earlier investigations and the main processes are classified. Then, the following topics are considered: 1) multiphoton infrared absorption and transition of molecules through lower vibrational levels; 2) dynamics of molecular excitation in a vibrational quasicontinuum and distribution of the vibrational energy between the modes and levels; 3) dissociation of highly excited molecules. The main experimental and theoretical results, and possible future trends are discussed. The review concludes with a brief list and illustrations of typical applications of the phenomena described in molecular spectroscopy, chemical physics, nuclear chemistry, and chemical synthesis.

RT Journal
T1 Polyatomic molecules in a strong infrared field
A1 Letokhov,V.S.
A1 Makarov,A.A.
PB Physics-Uspekhi
PY 1981
FD 10 May, 1981
JF Physics-Uspekhi
JO Phys. Usp.
VO 24
IS 5
SP 366-393
DO 10.1070/PU1981v024n05ABEH004833
LK https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1981/5/b/